Philadelphia Phillies hold their nerve to win 9-8 against Minnesota Twins - MLB Update
Jonathan Papelbon keeps the pressure at bay from taking a toll on his throws as he pitches a perfect ninth inning and saves the Philadelphia Phillies in their close 9-8 win against the Minnesota Twins on June 13, 2012 at Target Field, Minneapolis in their
second game of the three match series.
Starter Cole Hamels was unable to capitalise on better run-support he received on Wednesday, despite recording his ninth win of the season. Unlike what has happened to him all through the season, offence supported his quest tremendously and provided a lengthy
lead at the start.
Instead of protecting it, he nearly blew it before he was slammed back from the mound and replaced with relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo. Thanks to the relievers who then kept Philadelphia on surface, against a powerful counter-attack emanating from Twins.
Hamels allowed seven runs in six innings and struck-out six, while giving up eight hits. He was thrashed two home-runs in the game. Only one inning led to the rough-up and on the whole he was going fine, Hamels said while taking about his time on the mound.
"I feel like it comes and goes. I definitely have innings where things are working really well and I'm hitting my spots, and all of a sudden an inning comes and I can't hit a spot to save a life," Hamels said.
Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel will be pleased with the way bullpen formed an impregnable fortified late in the innings and never allowed the Twins to go past the lead.
In-particular, Papelbon proved a solid wall and stood against the onslaught. In little more than one inning, he was scoreless.
Designated hitter Jim Thome led the charge in the beginning for the Phillies. He went 2-for-4 as he contributed four RBIs.
Home-run Thome struck in the fourth was mammoth covering 454 feet. He is making the most of whatever little time he has left in the Phillies’ club-house after the team has announced that they will not be playing him in the field anymore.
By winning the game, the Phillies have levelled series. If they can keep the momentum for next game, they can go on to clinch series win.
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