Ibanez, Pence Provide Offense In Game 1 Win
CITIZENS BANK PARK — One down, three to go.
That’s where the Phillies’ magic number for clinching their fifth-straight NL East title now stands — at three, and shrinking.
“It’s extremely exciting,” said Hunter Pence.
Not that the Phillies are counting, mind you.
“We’re just focused on winning each game,” Raul Ibanez said.
Pence and Ibanez each hit first-inning RBI doubles to propel the East leaders to a 3-1 victory over the Marlins in Game 1 of Thursday’s doubleheader, reducing that magic number to three.
Manager Charlie Manuel is hopeful that his club can clinch the division as early as possible.
“I think it’s important,” he said. “Because we can play guys who we want to get at-bats, and we can get our regular lineup ready.”
With the Braves idle Thursday, the earliest the Phillies could wrap-up the division crown is Friday night.
In Game 1 Thursday, Phils starter Kyle Kendrick (8-6) pitched hitless ball into the fifth inning, before surrendering a home run to leadoff batter Logan Morrison. The fifth was Kendrick’s last inning, after throwing 78 pitches in his first appearance since Aug. 24. The right-hander gave up one run on two hits and struck out six.
“I felt like I could’ve gone longer,” Kendrick said. “Obviously it’s been a long time since throwing to a hitter in a game, you don’t want to risk injury.”
Pence doubled with one out in the first to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Ibanez drove in Pence with a double of his own. It was Ibanez’s 30th double of the season, giving him 10 straight 30-double seasons.
The Phillies, who clinched a playoff berth Wednesday, added an insurance run in the seventh inning when Placido Polanco drew a bases-loaded walk.
Chase Utley received a standing ovation from the crowd of 44,216 when he pinch-hit in the seventh. Utley, in his first action since suffering a concussion on Sept. 7, delivered a single.
Ryan Madson pitched out of a jam in the ninth to secure his 31st save in 33 opportunities.
Cliff Lee goes for his 17th win of the season in the nightcap, as the Phillies look to cut the magic number down again.
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