Worley Shows Big League Stuff in Win Over the Red Sox
The rookie Vance Worley faced a difficult task this evening against the Red Sox. Not only was he pitching against a great offense, Worley also had to follow an amazing performance from Cliff Lee the night before. Not to mention, Worley is a young, inexperienced pitcher who had yet to go more than six innings in a major league game.
Worley got the job done. He even pitched a full seven innings for the first time in the majors. The only run Worley allowed was knocked in by the opposing pitcher, John Lackey, who surprised everyone with an RBI-double.
But Worley maintained his composure throughout the game. His final line included only five hits, two walks and one run.
The offense did little to help Worley out, scoring only one run through the sixth inning on a Raul Ibanez RBI-single. With the score tied 1-1 in the seventh, Ibanez finally gave the Phillies the lead with a solo homer. This also put Worley in line for the win.
It would be up to a very young bullpen after that to hold down the slim lead. Fans got a sneak peak at what the near future holds for a pen with three closers on the DL. Michael Stutes served as the set-up man in the eighth inning and sent the Sox down in order.
After the Phillies were again unable to score in the eighth, Antonio Bastardo stepped onto the mound in the ninth as closer #4 on the year for the Phillies. He quickly disposed of the Sox batters to earn the save and award Worley with a win.
The Phillies have taken the first two games of this series, which is very good news. They play the final game tomorrow afternoon at 1:05pm with Cole Hamels on the mound.
Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
