NL East Daily Recap from 7-6-09

Utley rounds the bases after a three run shot

Philly fans were able to relax very early last night, as the Phillies put up a 10 spot in the first inning against the Reds last night in Philly.  In the first inning alone, Victorino and Rollins scored two runs and Victorino, Dobbs and Utley hit home runs.  Johnny Cueto(8-5) only lasted two outs in the first and was charged with nine runs on five hits and three walks.  The Phillies still managed to add on more runs, as they won the game 22-1.  Cole Hamels(5-5) was able to cruise through seven innings only giving up three hits, including a home run and even added two hits and an RBI of his own.  The two teams meet up again tonight in Philadelphia, Cincinnati will hope to put up any fight.

Sandoval says "vote for me!"

Pablo Sandoval made a loud audition to get votes in the MLB Final NL All-Star vote when he put the Giants ahead in the fifth inning with a grand slam on way to a 5-4 victory.  Marlins pitcher Sean West(3-3) got through six innings and the main blemish he had was the grand slam, as he gave up a total of five runs in taking the loss.  Matt Cain(10-2) worked into the seventh and picked up his tenth victory of the season after being named an NL All-Star on Sunday.  Not to be outdone, Brian Wilson earned his 22nd save of the season but not before allowing two runs on three hits and a walk to allow the game to be closer than it was.  The Marlins continue the west coast trip tonight after falling two games behind the Phillies in the East.

Lee stays hot

Derek Lee continued to play great baseball going two for four with a two run home run in the first inning for the Cubs.  They added all four runs in the first two innings and that would be all they needed.  Randy Wells(4-3) worked six innings giving up seven hits and two runs, including a home run to McLouth in getting his fourth victory this year.  Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol got holds as Kevin Gregg got his 15th save this season during a 4-2 Cubs victory.  Jair Jurrjens(6-7) went six innings but gave up those four runs in the first two innings in getting the loss for the Braves.  The series will continue in Chicago tonight.

Pitching this well in Colorado?

Oddly enough, Jason Marquis is having a wonderful season in what is known as a great hitters ballpark in Colorado.  Marquis(11-5) got his league leading 11th victory as he worked eight innings and giving up zero earned runs during a 1-0 Colorado victory.  Colorado got their first and only needed run in the first as Todd Helton doubled in Clint Barmes in the opening inning.  Craig Stammen(1-4) took a tough loss for the Nats as he went seven innings and giving up only five hits, but that double gave him the loss.  Huston Street worked a perfect ninth inning earning his 20th save of the year for the Rockies.  The Nats look to rebound tonight again in Colorado.