Philadelphia Baseball Review - Phillies News, Rumors and Analysis
Jeremy Hellickson tossed seven strong innings and collected nine strikeouts.
Jeremy Hellickson hurled seven solid innings and notched nine strikeouts for the first time in nearly three years as the Phillies edged the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, 3-2.

The win improved the Phillies record to 13-3 in one-run games this season.

"I cant quantify the success, but pitching has a lot to do with it," manager Pete Mackanin said. "It tests your ability to play well in close games and we certainly have done that all year. It's a good learning experience for all the young guys and it's fun to win those games."

Hellickson surrendered two runs in the second inning, but both were unearned and came following a dropped fly-ball by Tyler Goeddel in left. Goeddel redeemed himself in the fourth though, lacing a two-run, game-tying triple to right. He scored the eventual game-winning run later in the frame on a Hellickson squeeze play.

"It definitely was a roller-coaster," Goeddel said. "The play in the second inning is one I should make every time, I just took my eye off the ball. It sure didn't feel good out there, I can tell you that. I was lucky though that I had a chance to redeem myself and I was happy with that, for sure. I wasn't trying to do too much, but obviously my emotions were high at that point. I got a good pitch to hit and luckily it stayed fair."

Jeanmar Gomez tossed an 11-pitch ninth inning to secure his league leading 14th save of the season.

After having dropped their first four games of the season, the Phillies are 21-11 since April 9, a mark bested only by the Chicago Cubs. 

"People have been doubting us since the first game of the year," Hellickson said. "We're just going to keep doing what we're doing ... and hopefully win some games by more than one run."
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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Philadelphia Baseball Review - Phillies News, Rumors and Analysis