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Phillies Nation Perfect Season: Francisco’s game-winning hit lifts Phils to narrow victory over A’s

June 24, 2011 – Phillies 1, Athletics 0

Defense won this game for the Phillies. With both offenses struggling heading into this three-game series, a low scoring game was expected. The first hit of the game didn’t come until the top of the sixth with a line-drive double by Athletics left fielder Hideki Matsui.

Ben Francisco carried a .704 OPS during the 2011 season. (Wikimedia Commons)

Up to that point, the Phillies had multiple miraculous defensive plays to keep the Athletics to zero hits. The most notable play of the game came in the top of the fifth inning.