Halladay Perfect Against Florida

By Justin Worsley

Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay is quickly helping the Phillies fans forget the team's recent series against the Mets. Halladay threw a perfect game on Saturday against the Florida Marlins. Perfection is exactly what Philadelphia needed, squeaking away with a 1-0 victory to win their second straight game.

Halladay was more than dominant, striking out 11 batters. throwing 72 strikes out of his 115 pitches. In the ninth-inning, Florida sent out three pinch-hitters, hoping to ruin Halladay's evening. All three were unable to make it on base, and the entire Phillies team stormed the mound to celebrate the 20th perfect game in MLB history.

Philadelphia scored the game's only run when second-baseman Chase Utley hit a line drive to Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin. Maybin was unable to field the ball cleanly and shortstop Wilson Valdez was able to cross home plate safely.

Halladay's feat of perfection happens to be the second perfect game of the month. On May 6, Oakland pitcher Dallas Braden also threw a perfect game against Tampa Bay. There has never been two perfect games in the same MLB season, let alone two within the same month.

Florida closes out the three-game series against Philadelphia on Sunday at 1:10 p.m.