• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Utley, Feliz help Phillies stay atop NL East

Sep 22, 2008 - 1:19 AM By Chris Stock PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz each hit two-run homers while Jamie Moyer pitched six solid innings as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Florida Marlins, 5-2, on Sunday.

With the win, Philadelphia (88-68) remained atop the National League East Division, moving 1 1/2 games ahead of the New York Mets (86-69), who lost to the Atlanta Braves, 7-6, on Sunday. There are only seven games left on the schedule.

Moyer (15-7) improved to 11-1 in his career against the Marlins. The 45-year old lefthander allowed one run and six hits while striking out four.

"There are a few teams you feel better against than others," Moyer said. "This club here is an aggressive ball club that swings the bats. I've had good fortunate against them, but they have come a long way in the last couple of years.. I think their approach is changing for the better, from their side."

"He's a guy that's been around 20 years, doesn't panic, and commands his fastball," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He gives the whole league trouble. He may be their best pitcher. A 40-plus year old man who still has some left in the tank."

Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth to record his 40th save in 40 opportunities. It is the second time the 31-year-old has reached the 40-save plateau in his career as he recorded 42 saves in 2005 with Houston.

"I really try not to think about (the streak)," Lidge said. "Obviously, I know that the season is going well, and it's there. But honestly, I am really focused on the current situation. That is something I've done a good job with this year."

Jimmy Rollins led off the third inning with a double down the right-field line and Utley followed with a home run - his 32nd - to right-center off Chris Volstad.

"It was a sinker that didn't sink," Volstad said. "It stayed over the middle and those pitches get hit hard."

The Phillies made it 3-0 in the fourth on two miscues by the Marlins. Moyer reached base with two outs on a dropped fly ball by Cody Ross, allowing Carlos Ruiz to advance to third. Ruiz scored on an infield single by Rollins as Dan Uggla threw wildly to first.

Volstad (5-4) pitched five innings and allowed three runs - two earned - six hits and two walks. He struck out three.

"I felt OK, I didn't really feel like I had my great stuff," Volstad said. "I fell behind a lot."

Alfredo Amezaga hit an RBI single in the sixth and Josh Willingham added an RBI single in the seventh to pull the Marlins to within 3-2. Clay Condrey got Ross to ground out with the bases loaded in the seventh to end the rally.

"I've been in that situation 100 times this year, that's why you play so many games," Ross said. "I would die to be in that situation any day. I thought I got a good pitch to it. I just didn't hit it hard enough."

Feliz hit his two-run shot - his 14th - in the eighth off Joe Nelson to extend the Phillies' lead to 5-2.

"I got a sign to bunt on the first pitch, but then they took it off. Then, a lucky swing," Feliz said.