PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Roy Halladay, pitching for the first time since he tossed a perfect game on May 29, persevered through seven innings to help the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Friday.
Shane Victorino smashed a two-run home run, which also scored Halladay, while Jayson Werth drew a bases-loaded walk to provide the pitcher with just enough offensive support for him to record his eighth win of the season.
The Phillies have lost seven of their past 10 games and struggled offensively, which has dropped them into second place behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings, however, manager Charlie Manuel said he was not concerned.
"Our hitters are going to be fine," Manuel told reporters. "It's good for us to win the game. That's what counts.
"Believe me, there's not a lot of worry about some of our hitters. We're OK."
Halladay gave up 10 hits and struck out seven batters before giving way to the bullpen, who pitched two scoreless innings with Brad Lidge earning his second save of the season when he struck out the final two batters.
Padres' starter Mat Latos was credited with the loss after he allowed three runs in five innings while striking out six and walking four.
Lidge was making just his sixth appearance since having elbow and knee surgery, retired the heart of the Padres order.
"It feels great," Lidge said. "That's a situation I was hoping to have as soon as possible.
"I think the close games are really important for us to win right now."
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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