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Pitching-rich Phils stay hot

 
Hector Neris celebrates after picking up his first career save, helping Philadelphia sweep the Indians and win its sixth straight.
Hector Neris celebrates after picking up his first career save, helping Philadelphia sweep the Indians and win its sixth straight.
Published May 2, 2016

PHILADELPHIA — So much for rebuilding.

Vince Velasquez pitched six two-hit innings, and the Phillies beat the Indians 2-1 Sunday for their sixth straight win.

Freddy Galvis had an RBI single to help Philadelphia win for the 15th time in 21 games since starting 0-4.

"We're having fun out there, and everything is coming together," catcher Cameron Rupp said.

Velasquez pitched around four walks and improved his ERA to 1.44. David Hernandez pitched two hitless innings and Hector Neris earned his first career save after giving up a solo homer to Carlos Santana with one out in the ninth. Closer Jeanmar Gomez wasn't available after pitching four of the previous five games.

"Our offense isn't explosive, by any means, so for us to be successful, we have to win the close games, and we understand that," Hernandez said.

The Phillies lost 99 games last year, but strong pitching has them off to an excellent start. The staff has three shutouts and has given up 10 runs during the winning streak. The bullpen had 20 straight scoreless innings before Santana's homer.

"It's phenomenal," Velasquez said. "We're doing a great job. It's fun to watch."

Cleveland has played six straight one-run games and 11 overall, going 4-7.