For Jerome Williams, the third time was a charm.
Williams spent time with two other teams this season, the Astros and the Rangers, and neither stint went particularly smoothly.
After posting a 6.04 ERA in 26 games as a reliever with Houston and a 9.90 ERA in two disastrous outings with Texas, Williams was claimed off waivers by the Phillies on Aug. 10.
The 32-year-old pitched his ninth and final start Friday night in a 5-4 win over the Braves at Citizens Bank Park (see Instant Replay). Williams gave up four runs in six innings while striking out three and walking one. Two of those runs came on a two-run homer by Braves third basemen Chris Johnson in the fourth.
Early success, Williams says, helped him build momentum throughout his time with the Phillies.
"After the first couple [games], I kind of felt comfortable around here," Williams, who threw 62 of 83 pitches for strikes, said, "and then just kept on going after that."
Williams allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his first four starts with the club, and his performance has raised questions about the possibility of the team bringing him back as a starter again in 2015.
MLB
In nine games with the Phillies, Williams finished 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA. With his win over Oakland on Sept. 20, he became the first player in MLB history to beat the same team three times with three different teams in the same season.
Manager Ryne Sandberg referred to Williams as "a battler," citing his experience, competitiveness and all-around good pitching.
"He's been very consistent in giving us a chance to win these games," Sandberg said after the game Friday.
Williams' future is of little concern to him at the moment, however.
"All I'm worried about is just finishing out the year, and whatever happens happens," Williams said. "I’m just happy to be here.
"I think those last nine starts I had, I did what I wanted to do and whatever the team wanted me to do. Hopefully that shows that I can be a part of this rotation."
Though his performance may very well warrant interest from other teams, Williams said he would like to be a member of the Phillies' organization.
"I want to be a part of this team," Williams said. "Great guys, great rotation, great bullpen, great team."