The Phillies scored three touchdowns, two PAT's, and a two-point conversion tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. They hit four homers, including an eighth inning grand slam by right fielder Jason Werth. Shane Victorino and Gregg Dobbs both had four hits. Werth had 5 RBI's, and Chase Utley and Victorino each had four. Even Cole Hamels, who came into the game hitting .100 (2 for 20), went 2-4 with a double and two RBI's. Jimmy Rollins, who seems to have busted out of his slump, went 3-4 with 4 runs scored and raised his batting average to .224.
The Phightin's sent 13 hitters to the plate in the first inning, had two homers in the opening frame, and ended the first inning with a 10-0 lead. When it was over, they had scored 22 runs. And they did it against a pretty good pitcher in Johnny Cueto.
More importantly, Hamels looked like the Cole Hamels of last year tonight. He was very effective, giving up only 3 hits and 1 run in 7 strong innings. He had 2 strikeouts and didn't walk a batter. He was dominant, and that can only bode well for the rest of the season.
Also, Scott Eyre made his return tonight, pitching his way out of a jam in the top of the 9th inning. Eyre is just back from the disabled list, and he was effective tonight in spite of the rust. He's an important cog in the bullpen wheel, and it's good to see him back and pitching effectively.
Finally, Raul Ibanez made a rehab start in Reading tonight. Although he went hitless, he played, which is the important thing. Once he returns to the starting lineup, the Phils will be healthy and ready for the second half of the season. Let's hope it's a good second half.
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