With one out in the ninth and two runners on base, Brad Lidge uncorked a 3-2 slider. It was picture perfect — Willy Taveras had to swing. He did, and he missed, and after a Jerry Hairston Jr. fly out a few pitches later, the Phillies had won a game they have not won all season.
The Phillies beat the Reds, 4-3. Pitching was good, hitting was clutch, relief was huge. At least for a night, the 2008 Phils came to visit, and boy did it look good.
Cole Hamels labored with 117 pitches through six innings, despite the pretty strong numbers (5 H, 3 ER, 7 K, 2 BB). He allowed two home runs, which isn’t recommended, but he battled through and was solid enough. Backing him up, clutching that one-run lead, were Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson and Lidge, whose save came after a hit and a walk. Tense moments, indeed, but huge moments.
Jimmy Rollins provided the big offensive moment with an RBI double. Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez singled and sacrificed, respectively, to add runs in the fifth inning. Ryan Howard homered in the second off Johnny Cueto.
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