By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor
On Sunday, the Phillies proved they can win close pitchers-duels by outlasting the Astros, 2-1, behind the arm of ace Roy Halladay.
The Phils, a team known for getting off to slow starts, have jumped out to a 5-1 start behind the scorching lineup featuring Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utely, Ryan Howard and Placido Polanco.
Roy Halladay is a beast on the mound and will help Phils bullpen.
However, short of Jimmy Rollins, the lineup was silent Sunday and starting pitching won this game as Halladay tossed a complete game, saving us from the fear of Ryan Madson blowing saves like he did when filling in for Brad Lidge in 2009.
Halladay is showing signs of being the Phils first true stud ace since the team stupidly traded Curt Schilling for scraps in 2000.
Granted, Doc has started the season 2-0 with a .56 ERA, 17 strikeouts and two walks in 16 innings, but that isn’t what really makes him impressive and important to the Phils 2010 championship hopes.
The stat that amazes us is the fact that he racked up his 150th win on Sunday, and his 50th career complete game.
Assuming that his complete games mostly come during wins, Halladay tosses a complete game in 33 percent of his wins. That has to be some sort of record in the modern era.
Not only will he produce wins, but his complete games save the Phillies bullpen for days when the Jamie Moyers of the rotation take the mound. Oh, and he’ll also save us from heart attacks by keeping Madson and Lidge in the bullpen in tight games.
