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Johnson, Hermida Help Florida Top Phillies

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By ROB MAADDI The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

Updated: 08/06/2008 12:11 am

PHILADELPHIA - Josh Johnson pitched six scoreless innings, Jeremy Hermida drove in four runs and the Marlins beat the Phillies 8-2 in a matchup of the two top teams in the NL East.

The Marlins, who have by far the smallest payroll in the majors, closed within 1 1/2 games of first-place Philadelphia. The New York Mets are two games behind.

Johnson allowed five hits and overcame four walks in his fifth start since returning from reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007. The Marlins improved to 5-0 in his starts this year.
Jamie Moyer fell to 10-1 against the Marlins. The 45-year-old left-hander uncharacteristically struggled with his control. Moyer gave up two runs and six hits in five innings. He walked three and hit two batters.
Shane Victorino hit a two-out, two-run homer off Renyel Pinto to cut the deficit in half in the seventh. The Marlins used three pitchers to get through the seventh, and needed five pitchers to get the last nine outs.

But the Phillies' bullpen couldn't keep it close. Hermida had an RBI single and a two-run single off J.A. Happ, who made his first career relief appearance after three starts.

Florida stranded eight runners over the first three innings, leaving the bases loaded twice.

Dan Uggla doubled to start the second and Moyer hit John Baker with a pitch. After Johnson sacrificed, Hanley Ramirez was intentionally walked to load the bases with two outs.

Moyer fell behind Hermida 3-0, before walking him on a 3-2 pitch to force in Florida's first run.

The Marlins added a run in the fourth on Josh Willingham's fielder's choice grounder. Ramirez reached on a bunt single and Hermida was hit by a pitch. Jorge Cantu struck out, but Ramirez stole third base and scored on Willingham's soft grounder to third.

Johnson got some defensive help with two outs and two runners on in the second. Moyer lofted a shallow fly down the left-field line, but a hard-charging Willingham made a headfirst, diving catch to end the inning.

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