ANOTHER GEM FOR MOYER
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JAMIE MOYER SCORES CAREER WIN 266
A pair of first inning runs was all the Phillies needed as they got another outstanding performance from Jamie Moyer in a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indians at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night. Moyer, who scored career win 266, pitched eight innings and allowed the one run on just two hits and one walk. He struck out five and recorded 14 outs on ground balls.
“I’ll take them any way I can get them,” the 47-year-old said when asked if he prefers ground balls. “I was able to keep the ball down, they put the ball in play early in the count which was a big help and they hit it at people.”
It was the third time in his last four starts that Moyer lasted at least eight innings and the fourth time this season he’s lasted at least that long. In those four games, Moyer is 4-0 with a 1.32 ERA.
“Being around the plate more and forcing contact,” were two things that Moyer mentioned as reasons for his ability to go deeper in game this season.
The Phillies scored on any RBI single by Ryan Howard, which plated Placido Polanco, who had singled and Jayson Werth’s sacrifice fly that brought home Chase Utley, who reached base via a walk.
The game also saw the return of shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who had been on the disabled list since May 22, with a right calf strain. Rollins was 0-for-4 but he made a couple nice plays in the field and showed no ill effects from the injury which has put him on the shelf twice this season.
Cleveland first baseman Russell Branyan hit his 10th home run of the season to account for the Indians lone run. It was the 505th home run that Moyer has allowed in his career which ties him with Robin Roberts for the most all-time.
“I always respected Robin as a person and for the time he spent around here,” Moyer said about the former Phillie, who – prior to his death in May – made it a point to visit with his former team each year. “I believe tonight he’s probably smiling or laughing at me. It’s probably not a record I’m most proud of but I’m proud of the opportunity that I’ve had to have those chances.”
With his 266th win, Moyer ties Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Eppa Rixey for 35th on the all-time list.
E-mail Rock Hoffman at RdvSports@yahoo.com
