Friday, September 16, 2011

2011 Topps Diamond Anniversary #242 Brad Lidge

Phillies 3, Marlins 1 (Game 1)
Game 147 - Thursday Afternoon, September 15th in Philadelphia

One Sentence Summary:  Backed by Kyle Kendrick's solid spot start and a strong bullpen, the Phillies held off the Marlins, 3-1.

What It Means:  The Phils were 96-51 after this game and their magic number dropped to three.

What Went Right:  The Phillies scored a quick pair of runs in the first inning resulting from RBI-doubles from Hunter Pence and Raul Ibanez.  Ibanez also made a great throw to the plate in the eighth to nail Omar Infante, and preserve a two-run lead.

Kendrick (8-6) pitched for the first time in over three weeks, allowing just two hits, including a Logan Morrison solo home run.  He struck out six.

Featured Card:  Brad Lidge hasn't received much attention this year, but he's pitched well since re-joining the team in July.  (He missed the entire first half of the season with elbow issues.)  Lidge entered this game in the eighth after Antonio Bastardo allowed two Marlins baserunners.  With an assist from Ibanez' arm, Lidge wriggled out of a jam to preserve the two-run lead.  With Ryan Madson taking over the closer duties this year, Lidge has settled nicely into the role of a valuable, right-handed set-up man.

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