Phillies-Rays: Rematch? Fine With Me; Phillies Blast Rays

Any chance the Phillies can move their remaining home games to Reading or Lehigh Valley?

The Phillies once again proved that they are a totally different team on the road and jumped all over the Tampa Bay Rays en route to a 10-1 rout in the World Series rematch. Jamie Moyer picked up the win.

Things got off to a good start when Jimmy Rollins reached first base on a throwing error by third baseman Evan Longoria. Shane Victorino walked and Chase Utley hit a double to the gap in left center field, scoring both leadoff runners. As Joe Buck might say, “It’s a good start for the Phillies.” Ryan Howard, playing as the designated hitter, followed up with a double to score Utley. After Jayson Werth hit a single to put runners at the corners, and Pedro Feliz struck out, young John Mayberry Jr. hit a towering three-run home run to put the Phillies up 6-0 with one out.

The Phillies extended their lead in the fourth inning with four more runs to make it 10-0 The four-run inning included a two-run home run by Utley, who had three hits on the night. The Rays picked up their lone run in the bottom of the fourth inning by putting together a few hits against Moyer.

Moyer, with the benefit of a quick big lead, was in control the whole night. Moyer allowed five hits over six innings, striking out four while walking three. Not needing to use some of the usual bullpen guys helped as Tyler Walker and Sergio Escalona pitched the final three innings of mop-up duty. Walker allowed three hits in two innings and struck out one batter. Neither relief pitcher walked a batter.

Clearly it was a rough night for young Rays starting pitcher David Price. Price was pegged with all 10 runs, although only five were earned. The Rays committed three errors while Price was pitching. In 4.1 innings, Price allowed seven base hits, walked a couple batters, and gave up two home runs.

Rollins made a terrific catch in the game when Longoria hit a high fly ball to left field. Mayberry appeared to have it lined up but the ball hit a speaker and bounced back in play. The way the ball fell, Mayberry was now way out of position but Rollins had followed the ball and made the basket catch practically in left field.

Former Phillie Pat Burrell, now the DH for the Rays, had a rough night. The long-time fan favorite went 0-for-3 with a strike out to Moyer. Burrell did walk once.

With the win and the Mets losing to the Cardinals, the Phillies pushed their lead in the NL East to 2.5 games.