Another excellent pitching performance over 7 innings by lefthander Jamie Moyer (9-14) and a 2 out, 3 run rally in the 5th inning carried the Phillies to a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs to even their series a victory apiece.

In winning the game, coupled with the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-6 win over the NL wild card leading L.A. Dodgers, the Phillies moved to within 1 game of the wild card lead.

For 4 innings, Moyer and losing pitcher Wade Miller (0-2) were locked in a scoreless pitching duel.

But with 2 outs in the 5th inning, amidst the chants of “MVP” which accompany 1st baseman Ryan Howard’s (57 HRs, 140 RBIs, .312 BA) every plate appearance, Howard singled.  He scored on a headfirst dive after Dellucci clubbed a line double into the left-center field gap. That was it for starter Miller.  He was relieved by reliever Roberto Novoa (2-1). 

Leftfielder Pat Burrell (25 HRs, 88 RBIs) drew a walk from Novoa and then catcher Chris Coste (6 HRs, 27 RBIs, .315 BA) reached 1st base on a felding error by the shortstop to load the bases.  3rd baseman Abraham Nunez (2 HRs, 27 RBIs) then laced a clutch 2 run single to right centerfield and the Phils were up 3-0.  Novoa then retired pitcher Moyer on a ground out to 3rd base to end the inning.

About the Cub error, Phils manager Charlie Manuel let loose with one of his gems;

“If you put the ball in play, things can happen,” Manuel said. “Sometimes you don’t have to hit the ball real hard if you find the right place.”

In the 6th, leftfielder Matt Murton (13 HRs, 60 RBIs, .297 BA) got the Cubs on the board with their only run on a solo homer to leftfield off of Moyer.

After pitching 7 innings and giving up 1 run and spreading out 6 hits and striking out 3, walking none, the bullpen took over for Myer shutting down the Cubs the rest of the way on just 2 hits.  Closer Tom Gordon (3-4, 3.15 ERA, S32) pitched the 9th inning earning his 32nd save.

Manager Manuel raved about Jamie Moyer and his work ethic;

The Phillies traded two minor league prospects to the Mariners for Moyer on Aug. 19.

“He’s a true professional,” Manuel said. “He’s at the ballpark real early. He does his work. He’s prepared. He really studies the hitters. He’ll call people about hitters. He’s very demanding of himself. He might not light up a radar gun, but he’ll get you out.”

The Phils closed out the scoring in the 8th inning on shortstop Jimmy Rollins’ (22 HRs, 73 RBIs, .274 BA) solo homer to rightfield.

For a full recap including box scores and play-by-play on Tuesday’s game  click here.

On Wednesday, the Phillies try to win the 3 game series by sending Brett Myers (11-6)  vs the Cubs young lefthander Les Walrond (0-0).  On Thursday, the Phils have an open day and on Friday, they entertain the Florida Marlins for 3 games through Sunday.

For full coverage of all of Wednesday’s games in both leagues; previews, recaps, box scores and play-by-play coverage click here.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 20th, 2006 at 5:21 am and is filed under Real-Time Baseball News and Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.