MIAMI GARDENS -- Just call him "Old Reliable."LHP Jamie Moyer, the second-oldest pitcher in Phillies history, got the first win of the season tonight with 6-2/3 solid innings against the Marlins. Moyer, 44, said he didn't feel particularly sharp, probably because he hadn't pitched in a game since March 27 at spring training. But he still limited the young Marlins to only seven hits and two walks. The win was the 217th of Moyer's career, seventh-most among active pitchers and tied for 76th on the all-time list.
Moyer's veteran moxie was on display in the fifth inning. With the Phillies leading 5-2, he allowed a leadoff single to Miguel Olivo. After Olivo stole second, rookie Alejandro De Aza singled to left field, moving Olivo to third. "With a three-run lead, I don't want to give in," Moyer said. "But, at the same time, I have to get an out. So, you're thinking, well, I'll trade an out for a run here."
But he got pinch-hitter Aaron Boone to pop weakly to third base, keeping the runners in place. Then, he got Hanley Ramirez to pop to second. Two infield flies. Now, Moyer was able to just worry about making good pitches and getting out of the inning unscathed, and he got Dan Uggla to fly to shallow left field.
"Jamie doesn't panic," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "He knows what he has to do out there, even when he's in a little trouble."
Other notes: Still no RBIs for Chase Utley or Ryan Howard. More on that tomorrow. ... Nice catch in the seventh inning by defensive replacement Michael Bourn in left field (and another good move by Charlie Manuel to put him there). ... RHP Rick Bauer will be assigned to Triple-A Ottawa. GM Pat Gillick said Bauer could be used by the Phillies as a middle reliever.
That's all for tonight. More tomorrow.
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