MILWAUKEE – Maikel Franco had another big night in leading the Phillies to a third straight win on Saturday night.
Franco had his second straight three-hit game in the Phillies’ 10-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.
Franco’s three-run homer in the fourth inning was the game’s big hit. He also singled home a run in the sixth.
The Brewers scored twice in the eighth to make it a one-run game, but the Phils rallied for three runs, two on a homer by Odubel Herrera, to salt the game aay.
Franco entered the series opener Friday night with just three hits in 29 at-bats over his previous seven games. He homered twice Friday night and now has five on the season.
In addition, Franco played a superb game at third base.
The victory put the Phils at the .500 mark (9-9) for the season. But the win came with a cost. Starting pitcher Charlie Morton injured his left hamstring running out a bunt in the second inning and had to leave the game (see story).
Starting pitching report
Morton gave up three hits and a run in the one inning he pitched. His turn in the rotation comes up again on Friday, but it’s difficult to envision him making that start.
Milwaukee starter Chase Anderson gave up eight hits and six runs in four innings. One of the hits was Franco’s three-run homer in the fourth.
Bullpen report
Lefty Brett Oberholtzer was pressed into early duty after Morton exited. He pitched two innings and gave up three runs and a homer.
The Phils received good work from Andrew Bailey and David Hernandez in protecting the lead. Bailey made his Phillies debut and pitched two scoreless innings. Hernandez also pitched two scoreless innings. Lefty Elvis Araujo cleaned up a jam for Dalier Hinojosa in the eighth and Jeanmar Gomez closed it out in a non-save situation.
At the plate
The Phils went 15 straight games without reaching double-digits in hits to open the season. They have now done it three straight games.
They strung together four straight singles in a three-run third inning. None were hit particularly hard. But the Phils weren’t about to argue; it was the first time this season they had four hits in an inning.
Franco’s three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning gave the Phils a 6-4 lead. The Phils added a run on an RBI single by Franco in the sixth.
Herrera had a big night with three hits, including a two-run homer. He walked twice and scored four runs.
Ryan Braun led Milwaukee’s offense with a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning against Oberholtzer. Chris Carter homered against Hinojosa in the eighth.
Lineup stuff
Pete Mackanin used the pitcher in the No. 8 hole for the third game in a row. The Phils have won all three. Herrera led off for the third straight game.
Rookie Rule 5 outfielder Tyler Goeddel made just his sixth start. He singled in his first two at-bats and drove in his first big-league run in the third inning. He also had a sacrifice bunt in the ninth, setting up an important insurance run.
Up next
The series concludes on Sunday afternoon. Jerad Eickhoff (1-2, 1.89) pitches for the Phillies against right-hander Wily Peralta (0-3, 8.35).