Shane Victorino, Phillies Take Down King Felix and the Mariners
By: Mike Reisman
After Michael Pineda shut down the Phillies yesterday, they would have to try to get back to their winning ways against reigning Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez. The pitching match-up wasn't in the Phillies favor either, as they would send recently recalled rookie Vance Worley to the mound.
The Phillies would strike first on a Ryan Howard sacrifice fly in the 1st inning. However, the Mariners would comeback the next inning on Dusting Ackley's first career home run, tying the game at one run. From then on, it would be a pitcher's duel until Shane Victorino would hit a two run ground-rule double, making the score 3-1 Phillies. Victorino would pad the lead in the 9th with a two-run home run, ending the game at 5-1. Michael Stutes would get his first win, while Hernandez's record would drop to 7-6.
Shane Victorino was definitely the main story of the game, going 3-4, and only a single away from the cycle. His home run is his 8th of the year, and Victorino is now on pace for more than 20 home runs, something that would be a career high. He also hit four RBIs, bringing his total to 28, making RBIs another stat Victorino is on pace for a career high in.
Another story was the return of Vance Worley. Worley pitched well, allowing five hits and only one run over five innings. He would also walk two and strikeout three, however he was inefficient, throwing 96 pitches. Worley will need to keep his pitch count down if he wants to continue to be successful in the future.
The Phillies will play today at 4:10, sending Cole Hamels to the mound to try to finish the series.