Lee, Pence Lead Phils to Series Opening Win

It has been well documented that the Giants are a huge pain in the ass for the Phillies.  There has even been some talk about last year’s world series champions being “in the head” of the Phils as a collective.  A series win would go a long way to soothe the panic building in the Philadelphia area.  Tonight should make us all feel a whole lot better.

Two members of the team absent from last year’s playoff loss (Cliff Lee and Hunter Pence) carried the Phillies in today’s 3-0 shut out win.  Lee through his fifth complete game shut out of the season and Pence went 3-4 with two RBI to spark the offense against a tough left handed pitcher.  This is the reason that Reuben Amaro got Pence.  On a night when Ryan Howard couldn’t keep his current hot streak going, Pence provided more than enough offense to support Lee.

Madison Bumgarner was really good tonight going eight innings, allowing two runs and striking out nine.  He was wild early and missed his spots badly to consecutive batters in the second inning, allowing back to back home runs to Pence and Mayberry.  He settled in thereafter and held the Phillies scoreless for the remainder of his outing.  Pence drove in another run in the ninth, hitting a single up the middle off of Santiago Casilla.

Cody Ross went 0-4 with four strikeouts.  He can go to hell.

Tomorrow Vance Worley gets the start against Jonathan Sanchez.  Time for bed.