Before July started the Phils had a terrible record of 13-22 at home and didn't hit well at all at the bank. The Phils have finally ended most of their home struggles by sweeping the Mets and then starting off Monday with a 22-1 massacre of the Reds. It all started with a 10 run first inning off Johnny Cueto who was 4th in the NL in ERA entering the ballgame. He has now fallen out of the top 15 in that category. Shane Victorino, a candidate for the NL Final Vote, helped his cause by going 4 for 5 with a homer and 2 doubles. All starters had atleast one hit including Cole Hamels who went 2 for 4 with a 2 run double. Hamels went 7 strong innings only giving up 3 hits, hopefully he can get back on track with this start and regain his confidence. With the big lead Hamels pounded the strike zone and induced many lazy fly balls and weak grounders. The Reds bullpen was so taxed that in the bottom of the 8th they brought in backup shortstop Paul Janish to pitch. The Phils picked on him for 6 more runs including a grand slam by Jayson Werth sailing well over the right center field wall to make it 22-1.It was great to see the offense put together a tremendous game, but the more important issue is getting Cole Hamels throwing the ball well. The key factor for the Phils during the homestand has been the starting pitching, putting together 4 straight quality starts. The offense will take care of itself, but if the starting pitching can find more consistency in the 2nd half of the season the Phils should be able to seperate themselves from the rest of the NL East.
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