Jerome Williams continues to impress, pitches Philadelphia Phillies to win over New York Mets

Aug 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jerome Williams (31) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

When the Phillies signed Jerome Williams to replace the departed Roberto Hernandez in their rotation, expectations were low. It was understandable, considering the Phillies are his third team in 2014, and he had a 6.92 ERA with the first two.

It should then come as no surprise that after four starts with the Phillies, he is 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA. On Saturday night, he pitched 6.1 strong innings to lead the Phillies to a 7-2 victory over the Mets.

Early on, the Phillies offense was stymied by Mets starter Bartolo Colon. (Unfortunately, this was not the first time the Phillies have had issues with Colon this season.) They managed only run in the first four innings before Marlon Byrd got them on the board with a solo home run in the fifth.

Aug 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Marlon Byrd (3) reacts after scoring a run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In the sixth inning, the Phillies hitters broke the game open by doing what they do best: Hit singles. Thanks to seven singles in the inning, the Phillies were able to score five runs.

With their new ace on the mound, that amount of run support seemed ample for the Phillies. However, things would become a bit tense in the seventh inning.

The Mets hit three consecutive singles of their own to start the inning, prompting Williams’ exit. Justin De Fratus entered the game, but allowed two runs on a single and a walk. The Phillies were forced to turn to Antonio Bastardo who struck out Curtis Granderson to end the threat.

It was a solid night all around for the Phillies, whose offensive heroes included Cody Asche (three hits), Jimmy Rollins (scored two runs), and Ryan Howard (three RBIs).

The teams will square off for the final time in 2014 (Thank God!) on Sunday afternoon. A.J. Burnett will be opposed by Dillon Gee. Game time is 1:10 PM.