Charlie Morton handed the ball over to manager Pete Mackanin and the pitcher's fate on Tuesday night was placed in the hands of the bullpen. Morton walked to the dugout with a one-run lead, hoping his relievers would be able to piece together seven more outs.
A week ago, Morton probably would have been doomed. The relief corps was tagged in the season-opening sweep in Cincinnati. The unit looked beleaguered. But much has seemed to change, at least for now. The Phillies bullpen awarded Morton with seven outs, closing the door on a 3-0 win over the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park.