Raul Ibanez struck a two-run double, kicking off a four-run 12th inning that won it for the Phillies, 10-6, over the Nationals.
It should’ve never gotten to that. With two outs in the ninth, Willie Harris hit a two-run double off Brad Lidge to tie the game. It was Lidge’s second blown save of 2009, and now, the once-untaouchable Lidge has an ERA of 9.19.
Luckily, the rest of the Phils’ staff was on point, as JA Happ (2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K) collected the win. Because he pitched, he’s out of the running to start Saturday night, and now emergency starter Andrew Carpenter will pitch. Miguel Cairo was designated for assignment. Also pitching: Clay Condrey had a scoreless 10th, while Scott Eyre and Ryan Madson supplied big setup fare.
Offensively, Ibanez carried the load (four hits), but it was Ryan Howard’s three-run seventh-inning blast that put the Phils ahead. His shot was a shot in the arm. Meanwhile, Carlos Ruiz went 3-for-6.
Still, despite the big win, one has to see just how far Brad Lidge has fallen from his 2008 perch. It’s not a good situation, whatsoever. Thank God the Phils have Ibanez, who has possibly single-handedly won four or five games already for the scuffling Phils.
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