Phillies Recap Part 2: Phillies-1, Mets-0

Game Recap:
One run was all the Phillies needed, as Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings to help the Phillies sweep the doubleheader against New York.

What went right?

Shane Victorino was 1-4.

Chase Utley went 1-3 with an RBI.

Pedro Feliz went 1-3.

Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings, giving up just six hits. He walked two and struck out seven.

What went wrong?

The Phillies only had three hits.

Game Analysis:

With a prime time game and a chance to move 6.5 games up on Florida on the line, Pedro Martinez stepped back into a time machine and pitched like it was 1999 again. Eight shutout innings, seven strikeouts and just having a great feel for the game. It was vintage Pedro tonight, and my God, I was glad he was wearing a Phillies uniform tonight.

Tim Redding did what he normally does against the Phillies, but the first three batters of the game managed to reach base, and that would be all that was needed tonight. Chase Utley drove home Jimmy Rollins, and from there, it was all Pedro. I can't even begin to tell you how great he pitched tonight, you had to see it to fully enjoy it. The Mets just couldn't get anything going, and when they did, Pedro was able to get out of it without giving up anything. It was the exact kind of showing the Phillies needed tonight.

If you had told me before he started the season that Pedro Martinez would be 5-0 with an ERA under 3.00 in his first seven starts, I would have laughed in your face and asked for some of the drugs that you had. However, that's what has actually happened, and bringing him in might even be a better decision than trading for Cliff Lee. In the span of two weeks, the Phillies managed to bring in two former Cy Young winners, and they've both pitched like it. All of a sudden, the starting rotation that was such a question midway through the season has become one hell of a strength.

The Phillies have an off day tomorrow, then welcome the Nationals in for three games. Cliff Lee (13-11, 3.13 ERA) takes the ball for the Phils, going against Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.75 ERA).