The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Mon, Aug 10th 2009, 14:51

Hanley's 4 hits help Marlins complete sweep

If the Marlins reach the postseason, they can look back at what happened in Philadelphia this weekend as a turning point.

Desperate for a three-game sweep to pull within striking distance, the Marlins stepped up behind Josh Johnson’s six strong innings and a season-high 19-hit attack to beat the Phillies, 12-3, on Sunday in front of 45,169 at Citizens Bank Park.

The 50th sellout of the season at Philadelphia watched the Marlins take their third straight, moving them to within four games of the Phillies in the National League East.

After being swept at Washington to start the trip, Florida’s players made no secret that they needed to take all three from Philadelphia.

“You’re never out of it to the end, but I think this sweep has desperately rescued us, big time,” said veteran Wes Helms, who added a two-run homer and three RBIs. “We could have left here eight to 10 games out, and that is not good. That’s a lot of ground to make up. It can be done, but there is a lot of stress and a lot of pressure. Now, it’s four games, and we can do that.”

Johnson (11-2) recorded his 19th quality start of the season, giving up one run on four hits over six innings. In 23 starts, the 25-year-old has compiled 154 innings, which is three shy of his career most, set in his rookie season in 2006. It wasn’t vintage Johnson, but after a rocky first inning, he settled over his next five innings.

The Marlins were able to complete the sweep with a rare win over Jamie Moyer, who gave up three runs (two earned) on 11 hits in five innings. The soft-tossing lefty is now 13-3 lifetime against Florida.

“They came from Washington, where I guess they weren’t playing well,” Moyer said. “And they came here and played well against us. They’re a good ballclub, and I’ve always respected that club across the field. They’re hungry. They’re aggressive.”

It was a wild, tense and emotional game. It featured Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino being ejected by home-plate umpire Ed Rapuano while standing in the outfield in the seventh inning. Instead of rallying Philadelphia, the Marlins went on to score six runs with two outs in the same inning.

Chris Coghlan and Hanley Ramirez each had four hits and multiple RBIs. Helms had added a two-run homer in the ninth off Brad Lidge. Cody Ross chipped in with three hits and an RBI. Jorge Cantu drove in two runs.

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