Game Recap:
Brad Lidge's ninth blown save of the season cost the Phillies a chance at their fourth straight win after they came back in the ninth inning against Pittsburgh.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins was 2-5 with two home runs.
Shane Victorino was 1-5 with a triple and an RBI.
Chase Utley went 2-4.
Ben Francisco had a game tying, pinch hit double that tied the game in the ninth inning.
Joe Blanton pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
Raul Ibanez was 0-3.
Matt Stairs went 0-2.
Pedro Feliz was 0-4.
Brad Lidge blew his ninth save of the season, allowing three runs on three hits without recording an out. Did I mention he managed to do this only in six pitches?
Game Analysis:
On the surface, this was just a simple loss to a bad team in late August. What is important and troubling here is the way that the Phillies lost last night. Last season, Brad Lidge was 41-41 on the season when it came to saves. We all knew that wouldn't continue this year, but I don't think anyone thought it would end like this. Last night, Lidge blew his ninth save of the season, and he needed only six. pitches to do it. A single, wild pitch, single and home run later and the game was over. That was it. Three batters, three hits, three runs. Nothing looked right for Lidge last night, and it hasn't looked right for most of the season.
Remember, if it weren't for an unassisted triple play on Sunday, Lidge probably would be on blown save number ten right now and fans would be chomping at the bit even more to get him out of the closer's spot. Of course, Charlie Manuel has already come out and said that Lidge is going to be his closer, so I don't know what he's going to have to do to lose that job. Nine blown saves is a serious problem, and at this point, it's past the time to "work it out." The man has an ERA over 7.00 for the season. He is the weakness on the Phillies right now, and could be the reason why the Phils don't repeat as World Champions. They have everything else set; the starting pitching is stable, the offense is great and the fielding is right at the top of the National League. What they don't have is that end of the bullpen guy that you know is going to go out there, get three outs, and save the game. The other players are starting to lose confidence in Lidge, and if he blows another save, I think the city is going to completely turn on him.
These fans remember Mitch Williams. They don't want to go back there again, and I'm afraid that Charlie's going to lead us down that path once more. Hopefully, something changes, but I don't think it will.
Brett Myers, you're the only hope for the back of the bullpen.
Tonight, Cole Hamels (7-8, 4.78 ERA) will hopefully not make me throw anything else at my television. He'll be facing off against Paul Maholm (7-7, 4.74 ERA).
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