Saturday, April 9, 2011

2011 Topps Heritage #434 Carlos Ruiz

Phillies 10, Braves 2
Game 8 - Saturday Afternoon, April 9th in Atlanta

One Sentence Summary:  Catchers Brian Schneider and Carlos Ruiz provided the power this afternoon in Atlanta, as Roy Oswalt earned his first career victory against the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies improved to 6-2, and they go for the series win tomorrow afternoon behind Cole Hamels.

What Went Right:  Ruiz didn't even come into the game until the seventh, when he pinch-hit for Oswalt, but he finished the day with a grand slam and an RBI-double.  It was Ruiz' first career grand slam and the five RBIs set a career high.  Not bad for three innings of work!  Schneider had hit a two-run home run in the fourth to give the Phils a 3-2 lead.  Four of the team's fifteen hits came courtesy of Shane Victorino.

Oswalt pitched six innings for his second win of 2011, allowing an earned run on five hits.  He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth by getting slugger Jason Heyward to pop out to third for the final out of the inning.

Featured Card:  This is one of those elusive short-prints from 2011 Topps Heritage.

Other Stuff:  The Phillies had three more pinch-hits on Saturday, including Chooch's slam, and Phillies pinch-hitters are now 10 for 16 (.625) so far this season.

Transaction:  On Friday, the Braves optioned pitcher Mike Minor to AAA Gwinnett and recalled catcher J.C. Boscan.

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