Victorino, Wigginton go yard as Phillies sink Marlins

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN Sports) – Joe Blanton pitched like an ace leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-1 win over the Miami Marlins Thursday.

Blanton, who was superb in his first start of the season, outdueled Mark Buehrle, who was perfect through three innings. Blanton, who earned the win, gave up three hits, one run and a walk in seven frames.

“I think it was the fastball command and good defense,” Blanton said regarding the Phillies impressive win. “I kept the ball down and the defense was phenomenal.”

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel liked how Blanton, who started for the first time in nearly a year after recovering from an elbow injury, kept the Marlins off balance. “He pitched a heck of a game,” Manuel said.

But it was a team effort that led to the win, the Phillies second straight.

Ty Wigginton not only blasted a long home run over the left field wall, the first baseman made a tremendous play on a throw by Blanton that appeared earmarked for right field. Wigginton made a fantastic catch and somehow held the bag with a runner on second.

But Wigginton wasn’t the only Phillie flashing leather. Freddy Galvis made two tremendous diving grabs to save runs.

“It seems like he’s out there everyday doing something with his glove,” Wigginton said. “That really helps win ballgames. You really appreciate watching a guy that talented with a glove. He really is something special.”

Hunter Pence made a sliding catch with a runner on second, which preserved a Phillies lead.

Shane Victorino hit his first home run of the season.

Chad Qualls impressed in the eighth inning. He featured a sinker with excellent action. He struck out Giancarlo Stanton with two on courtesy of a terrific sinker.

Jonathan Papelbon collected his second save of the season.

---

---