Vincent Velasquez Strikes Out 16 In Historic Performance

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was one of the best pitching performances in Phillies history.

In his second start of the season, first at Citizens Bank Park, and just the ninth of his career, 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Vincent Velasquez dazzled.

Velasquez struck out 16 batters while allowing just three hits, zero walks, and zero runs as the Phillies beat the Padres 3-0, taking the final three games of the four-game series. Velasquez became the first Phillies pitcher to ever record 13 or more strikeouts while not allowing a run or a walk.

Velasquez, who was acquired by the Phillies in a trade for Ken Giles this past offseason, now has 25 strikeouts in his first two starts, a franchise record. Oh, and by the way, he recorded his first career hit too.

Offensively for the Phils, Ryan Howard had their only two RBI's. The first came on a solo home run in second inning, Howard's third of the season, and the second RBI came on a sixth inning sacrifice fly.

Thanks to their three-game winning streak, the Phils have climbed back to the .500 mark at 5-5.

UP NEXT

The Phillies host the Washington Nationals on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.