lidge almost steals the show

Don't get me wrong. Cole Hamels was fantastic last night, allowing just one run on six hits in eight innings and working out of trouble with a little help from his friends, namely some spiffy double plays turned behind him. Defense played a big part in the game. For the Braves, another team curiously weak on fundamentals, it was a lack, as they bobbled and bumbled and handed the Phillies the runs they needed. Rookie Brandon Beachey did OK in his debut, especially given the frenzied atmosphere, but Hamels was what he has been for most of this season, an elite pitcher on top of his game. Then Lidge came in for the 9th and blew everyone away. It took him just 11 pitches to dispatch the Braves. He made them, starting with rookie phenom Jason Heyward, look sick. Phillies win 3-1. Now that it is a single digit, time for the magic number: 8.