Game 98 - Friday Night, July 22nd in Philadelphia
One Sentence Summary: The game-time temperature was 98 degrees, but Cole Hamels managed to cool off the Padre bats as the Phils won, 3-1.
What It Means: The team is now 62-36 and with the Braves winning too, they maintain a four game lead in the East.
What Went Right: The Phils were gifted their first two runs by the Padres. In the second, Shane Victorino reached on shortstop Jason Bartlett's error. He came around to score when Carlos Ruiz doubled on a ball that clanked off the glove of center fielder Cameron Maybin. In the fourth, Padres pitcher Cory Luebke balked home a run. John Mayberry, Jr. doubled home the Phillies third run following the balk.
Hamels (12-5) pitched great in the heat, rebounding nicely from his disastrous last start against the Mets. He lasted eight innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out 10 and he's now tied with the Braves' Jair Jurrjens for most wins in the N.L. Ryan Madson pitched a perfect ninth to record his 16th save and his first since returning from the disabled list.
Featured Card: The Phillies and Padres wore uniforms from 1984 to celebrate 1980's Retro Night at the ballpark. The 1985 Topps design hasn't been featured in a prior year Chachi set, but I thought it fitting to use the design here to show off the awesome '80s Phillies uniforms. (I would have used the 1984 Topps design, but I couldn't find a decent "portrait" photo of Hamels in his retro cap to use for the smaller photo on the '84 card.)
Transaction: Former closer Brad Lidge was activated from the disabled list this afternoon and he hopes to make his 2011 debut soon. Lidge is not expected to close, given the success in the role by Madson and Antonio Bastardo. Reliever Danys Baez was designated for assignment to open a roster spot for Lidge. Baez just didn't pitch that great during his year and a half in Philly, although he'll always be remembered for his five shutout innings of relief in the 19-inning game back on May 25th.
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