NewsVolstad, Helms lead Marlins past Phils
Righty's strong outing backed by ex-Phillie's big night
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
05/25/09 10:56 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA -- Back-to-back, at last.Behind Chris Volstad's 6 2/3 innings and Wes Helms' home run and four RBIs, the Marlins defeated the Phillies, 5-3, on Monday night in front of 45,186 at Citizens Bank Park.
For the first time since May 8-9 at Colorado, the Marlins have won two successive games.
The blueprint for this win was what the Marlins have been seeking for weeks -- timely hitting behind strong starting pitching. The 6-foot-8 Volstad came up big on Memorial Day, allowing three runs in 6 2/3 innings while striking out five and walking two.
Wearing league-mandated red hats -- every team wore them Monday -- the Marlins rallied from two runs down early to beat the Phillies for the first time in four chances this season.
Volstad went deep into the game the day after Josh Johnson worked seven innings in a no-decision against the Rays at Land Shark Stadium.
"That's a good sign," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We had a good outing by J.J. [on Sunday], and 6 2/3 by Vollie in a tough park against a good lineup. That's a good sign. It really is, now if we can get that rolling a bit."
The Marlins sent 22-year-old Volstad against savvy 46-year-old Jamie Moyer, who throughout his career has baffled Florida with his tempting low-velocity pitches.
Moyer entered the game 12-1 lifetime with a 2.84 ERA against Florida, including a win this season. But the 46-year-old lefty exited after six innings, having allowed four runs, and he suffered the loss.
Helms, a former Phillie who was repeatedly booed when he came to the plate, came into Monday with six RBIs. He drove in four against his old team.
"That's part of the game, and that actually is what makes the game fun," Helms said of being booed. "Somebody said it in the dugout tonight, 'Hey, you're nobody if you're not booed. You're known if you're booed.' It's actually fun. It doesn't bother me at all, because I know I didn't do anything wrong in Milwaukee or here.
"I let it drive me. I let it pump me up. I have that little extra chip on my shoulder to do big things. So far it's worked for me. I'll continue to do that."
Ryan Howard took Volstad deep twice for his 18th career multi-homer game of his career, and first this season. Surrendering the long ball has been an issue for Volstad of late. In his past four starts, he's given up six home runs.
The turning point for Florida came in the fourth when Helms stepped up with Hanley Ramirez and Jorge Cantu on base. The veteran connected on a three-run homer with the count full. It was an opportune time for Helms' first home run of the season, as it put the Marlins ahead, 3-2.
"I just try to be real patient off him, and try not to do too much," Helms said. "I try to cut my swing down. I really try to drive the ball up the middle, because if I am a little early, I'm going to pull the ball, and not foul. He left that 3-2 changeup up a little bit.
"[Moyer] definitely knows how to toy with you. He toys with us all the time when we do face him. Luckily tonight, we just put some runs on the board tonight for Volstad."
A two-out RBI single by Ronny Paulino off Moyer in the sixth padded Florida's lead to 4-2. Paulino made a critical play in the ninth when he threw out Shane Victorino on his attempt to steal second base after he led off with a walk against closer Matt Lindstrom, who notched his ninth save in 11 chances.
The Phillies closed to within 4-3 in the sixth on Howard's second homer of the game, and his 22nd all-time against the Marlins. Howard crushed a two-run homer off the brick wall well beyond the 401-foot sign in straightaway center.
Putting the homers aside, Volstad was impressive. For his second straight start, he worked his curveball more effectively.
"When they cut it to that one run, I really tried to bear down and keep the lead," Volstad said. "Our bullpen has kind of been worn down lately. It's up to us to go deep into the game, and keep our team in the game. If we can keep it to three runs or less every start, we're confident our offense can put up numbers like that.
"I think we're kind of key right now to keep the team in the game. Hopefully, we can keep doing that."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
