Moyer yields record 506th HR, but he still wins
PHILADELPHIA — With each passing start, Jamie Moyer seems to eclipse another milestone. All the 47-year-old left-hander wants to concentrate on, though, is helping Philadelphia win.
And, lately, he's been succeeding.
Moyer gave up his record-breaking 506th home run but was sharp otherwise, and the Phillies took advantage of Toronto's troubles to beat the Blue Jays 11-2 Sunday.
Moyer's only mistake was a two-run homer by Vernon Wells in the third inning. Moyer passed former Phillies Hall of Famer Robin Roberts for the most homers allowed in a career.
"I have the desire to be here, so getting caught up in all the things that come with it, I don't want to and won't allow myself to and don't want to get lost in where I am and that's playing with these guys in the room," Moyer said. "If you get caught up in it, you can really lose focus."
The Blue Jays made a season-high four errors, including a pair by second baseman Aaron Hill, that set up six unearned runs.
"You can't give them so many outs," Toronto manager Cito Gaston said. "That's the worst game we've played all year. We certainly lost as a team. We all stunk up the place."
Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Ben Francisco each had three hits for the Phillies and Ryan Howard scored three runs. Philadelphia won for the eighth time in 11 games.
"The weather is getting hot, this is hitting season and we're starting to swing the bats better," said Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel, whose team has scored 75 runs in its last 11 games.
Moyer (9-6), whose mound opponent wasn't even born when he made his major league debut, gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked none.
Moyer earned his 267th career victory, moving within one win of tying Jim Palmer for 34th on the all-time list. Moyer has won four of his last five starts.
"His longevity is absolutely remarkable," Manuel said. "What impresses me is his command. He says if he puts the ball where he wants to go, he can get people out."
