Four If By Sea

The Phillies returned home to Citizens Bank Park Monday after losing two of three to the San Francisco Giants. The team came into Monday 16 games out of first place in the National League East, firmly entrenched in last place. The Phils began an inter-league series with the Seattle Mariners tonight.

This time of the year provides the opportunity for the team to develop it’s young players, and give the young bucks a chance to play. It also allows for certain players to showcase their talents to teams everywhere, with next season in mind.

Jerome Williams got the call tonight, making his second start since signing with the Phillies. He’s been solid in his two starts, allowing three runs in 12.1 innings pitched. He would allow one run tonight and just three hits in eight innings of work. He did walk three while striking out four.

Williams benefited from a 4-0 lead after five innings. Marlon Byrd doubled Carlos Ruiz home in the third to give the Phils a 1-0 lead.

Andres Blanco got the start and shortstop tonight, and he made the most of it. With Cody Asche and Darin Ruf on, Blanco pulled one down the right-field line and over the fence for a three run shot. It was Blanco’s fourth career home run, and his first since 2011.

That would be all the Phils’ pitchers would need. Kenny Giles allowed one inherited runner from Williams to score, but managed to get out of the inning with two hits allowed.

Jonathan Papelbon came on in the ninth to nail down the win for Williams. He earned his 29th save in the process, pushing him closer to 100 career saves as a Phillie.

Williams is now 1-0 as a Phillie, making a good impression thus far in what figures to be an audition for next season.

The Phillies had eight hits as a team, to the Mariners’ six. Even with the win, the Phils left 11 men on base, six of them in scoring position.

They’re right back at it tomorrow night with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Hisashi Iwakuma goes for the Mariners, first pitch slated for 7:05.

Stats Courtesy of TheScore.com

Photo Courtesy of Philly.com