That's More Like It

The Phillies are playing to form.

A 45-year old pitcher didn't get it done. The offense, their anemic one-hit wonder of the night before an aberration, was relentless if not always clutch. And their best overall player (intangibles included) sparked the winning rally by going from first to third on a bunt that may have gone ten feet from home plate.

Jamie Moyer certainly looked his age in his first start of the season. Though he eventually settled down after a disastrous first inning, that opening frame nearly sent the Phils to a third straight loss at home versus the Washington Nationals. After his departure, the bullpen with the notable exception of Ryan Madson, pitched well. Flash Gordon had another ninth inning adventure, loading the bases on a hit and two walks, but he managed to get out of the inning unscathed. No one would admit his temporary job as closer was on the line, but had he blown another opportunity yesterday the local citizenry would have been out for blood.

Jimmy Rollins had an adventurous opening series, stroking a game-tying home run on Opening Day, making uncharacteristic errors in two of the three games, and, of course, that mad dash around the infield yesterday afternoon that led to the winning run. But my Player of the Game award goes to Shane Victorino, the only Phillies player who can reliably lay down a bunt. Let it be known Victorino has been struggling at the plate thus far, but when he had to, he stood in there, showed bunt early and often against a guy who was both a little wild and was bringing it at about 94-97 MPH, and got the job done. Make no mistake about it: that took guts.

Newcomers Geoff Jenkins and Pedro Feliz got untracked at the bat, both driving in key runs. Chris Coste got his first start of the season and homered on the first pitch he saw. Ryan Howard showed bunt with the team trailing by five runs, something most people agree he is not paid to do and all are unanimous he is incapable of pulling off. And last but not least, Adam Eaton got into the game and didn't give up a hit, walk or run. In fact, he didn't even wear a glove. Eaton pinch-ran for Pat Burrell.

With their first win under their collective belts, the Phils begin the first road trip of the season in Cincinnati this evening convinced they can come back in any game.