PBR - If only this success at Busch Stadium could have come late last year ...

The Phillies picked up its fourth-straight victory after defeating the Cardinals, 4-0, Saturday night to put the club's record to 25-23.

Kyle Kendrick made another statement in his start for the Phils, proving he is capable of filling in as a spot starter whenever called upon with his first complete-game shutout of his career, giving up seven hits with four strikeouts against St. Louis (25-22) in his first win this year.

Kendrick has pitched well in his six starts on the season, posting a 3.25 ERA and ultimately throwing well enough each time out for the offense to win ballgames. He is now 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA in six career starts against the Cardinals.

Shane Victorino lined an RBI-double that scored Hunter Pence in the fourth inning to take the 1-0 lead for the Phils.

In the sixth, John Mayberry Jr. hit a two-run double down the line that easily scored Placido Polanco and Pence before Freddy Galvis knocked in Victorino the next at-bat with a single for his 23rd RBI (leads MLB rookies) to make it 4-0.

Pence went 2-for-3 at the plate, helping to slowly lift his batting average (.259) over the last few games and backup catcher Brian Schneider had a 2-for-4 with a double night filling in for Carlos Ruiz on his day off. 

Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia tossed six innings, allowing four runs on six hits with six strikeouts in the losing effort.

For St. Louis, third basemen David Freese was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles in the game.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who was robbed of a leadoff home run by Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday, hasn't been able to find an answer, now batting a measly .225 after going 0-for-5 Saturday.

Roy Halladay (4-4, 3.58 ERA) will try to get five wins straight and the sweep for the Phillies Sunday when he faces Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright (3-5, 4.78 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 at Busch Stadium.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post