Phillies Recap: August 16, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies 4, Atlanta Braves 1

A storm delayed the beginning of the Phillies match-up against the Braves on Sunday night. However, they were able to get the game in and both J.A. Happ and Javier Vazquez were on top of their games. In fact, the game was very well played and only suffered from its televised commentary. Ryan Howard powered the Phillies to a much-needed victory, 4-1 to win the series in Atlanta.

J.A. Happ (9-2) seemed to be leaving his pitches up a bit early on, but he was able to avoid trouble. Nevertheless, he was not as sharp as usual, and worked in a lot of deep counts and walked six. That didn't phase the young lefty, as he gave up only a solo homerun to Matt Diaz and worked out of serious trouble only once in the sixth. Ryan Howard was involved in a handful of stellar defensive plays, including a gorgeous 3-6-3 double play in the seventh inning. Happ went 7.2 strong innings, allowing the one earned run while striking out three. Brad Lidge came in and recorded a one-batter save, his 23rd of the season.

Javier Vazquez (10-8) was sharp, as usual and maintained a very low pitch count in the early going. He surrendered a long solo homerun to Ryan Howard in the second inning. Following that, Vazquez seemed to settle in until the top of the Phillies order set the table for a three-run homer by Howard in the sixth inning. On the night, Howard went 3-3 with four RBI and the pair of homers. Vazquez ended up going seven respectable innings, striking out seven Phillies in the process. But once again, the Phillies offense was not as patient or clutch as it will need to be down the stretch.

The story of tonight's game was a typical Phillies win, their 66th of the season. It was yet another quality start for the young Happ, who has both the poise and command of a veteran on the mound. And Ryan Howard flat out put on a show with a pair of long homeruns and four RBIs along with his superb glove work. Together, the duo helped the Phillies close out their road trip at 5-1 and open up a 4.5 game lead in the NL East. The team will have an off day on Monday before a quick homestand against the Arizona Diamondbacks.