Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Roy Halladay looked sharp in his first
start in seven weeks, and Hunter Pence picked the perfect time to bust out of
a recent slump as the Phillies won their fourth straight game.
Halladay lasted five innings in his return from the disabled list and Pence,
who was 1-for-18 over his previous five contests, grounded the go-ahead two-
run single with two outs in the eighth inning in a 3-2 triumph over the Los
Angeles Dodgers.
Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said Halladay, who was out since late May
due to a right lat strain, would be limited to around 80 pitches. That's
exactly how many the two-time Cy Young Award winner threw, 55 which were
for strikes. Halladay had six strikeouts and didn't walk a batter, while
allowing five hits, including four in a row during a two-run second inning for
the Dodgers.
Chase Utley knocked in the other run for the Phillies, who have won seven in a
row at Dodger Stadium. It's also the first time this season the Phillies won a
game when trailing after seven innings.
Stephen Fife lasted six innings in his major league debut and gave up four
hits and a run while walking three.
James Loney and Luis Cruz each singled in runs during the second, but the
Dodgers suffered their seventh loss in eight games.
After Halladay departed, Michael Schwimer, Jeremy Horst, Kyle Kendrick (3-8)
and Antonio Bastardo held down the fort. Jonathan Papelbon retired the side in
order in the ninth for his 21st save.
GAME NOTES:
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