The Offense Prevails!

Jayson Werth's 3-run home run in the bottom of the 7th proved to be more than just insurance, it was necessary for the Phillies to win. After Joe Blanton struggled to reach the 6th inning again because of poor control, the offense had to be in top form to pull out a win.

Jimmy Rollins set the table by going 3-5 with 3 stolen bases and 2 runs scored. Ryan Howard went 2-4 and knocked in 2 himself. However, it was Jayson Werth's home run off the first Joe Nelson pitch he saw that provided the finishing, and winning touches.

The pitching was well, not great. Even Brad Lidge struggled to earn his 35th save in 35 chances. J.C. Romero allowed a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th immediately after Werth's home run. The Phillies pitching staff issued 4 free passes in the game and each one scored. Blanton has allowed 14 walks in his last 20 2/3 innings pitch (4 starts). That's right, Blanton, the big acquisition, has averaged slightly over 5 innings recently, down the stretch, when's he been labeled an "innings-eater." Well, sorry Mr. Gillick, he's been far from it. Somehow, someway, Joe Blanton raised his record to 2-0.