Phillies Eickhoff Earns First Win Since April 13th as Offense Finally Backs Him Up

Jared Eickhoff pitches seven shutout innings in route to his first win since April 13th as the Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-0 at home.

The Phillies got one of their best combined efforts of the season Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Fueled by one of Jared Eickhoff’s best outings of the season, the Phillies offense finally came to life for the young right hander on a cloudy day in Philadelphia to earn their 24th win of the season.

In Eickhoff’s three previous starts in the month of May, the Phillies only scored a combined four runs. Today they managed five thanks to an early home run in the second inning by Cameron Rupp and some clutch hitting my Makiel Franco later in the game.

Rupp hit a line drive solo home run off of Braves starter Casey Kelly, who only managed five innings for Atlanta this afternoon.

After Tyler Goeddel reached base on a hit-by-pitch, Peter Bourjos drove him in on a two out RBI single into center field.

Knowing he usually doesn’t get any run support, Eickhoff produced his own offense with an RBI groundout that brought in Freddy Galvis in the fourth.

The biggest hit came from Maikel Franco, who’s only hit .222 in his last 30 games. A bloop single off his bat got the job done though as the Phillies brought two home in the sixth inning. Franco was thrown out at second by the veteran catcher AJ Pierzynski after a failed relay throw home.

Eickhoff was able to get through his seven innings and hand it off to the bullpen after just 85 pitches, 57 of which were for strikes.

Hector Nerris came in for the eighth inning and allowed only one hit in his 24th game of the season. He now leads the league in holds with 11 and all National League relievers with 33 strikeouts.

Closer Jeanmar Gomez recorded his major league leading 16th save.

The Phillies offense was hitting on all cylinders today as seven of the eight position players reached base safely.

Rookie Tommy Joseph was the lone wolf not to get a hit as he faced his first right handed pitcher of his major league career. The first baseman has been platooning with Ryan Howard and typically only faces left handers.

Odubel Herrera, Maikel Franco, Cameron Rupp, Freddy Galvis, and Peter Bourjos each had multiple hits this afternoon.

The Phillies (24-19) will travel to Detroit for interleague play against the Tigers (21-22) with Vince Velasquez on the mound. The Tigers will send Mike Pelfrey, who is 0-4 this season.

The Phillies will use the designated hitter, as they will be playing in an American League park. Expect Ryan Howard, Tommy Joseph, and Andres Blanco to get an opportunity at the dish.