W - Ryan Madson (1-0, 3.38), L - Huston Street (0-2, 13.50), S - Brad Lidge (2), Phillies Win NLDS 3-1
In what turned out to be another highly entertaining ball game, the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies fought in a back-and-forth affair. For the second straight night, the Phillies prevailed by the slimmest of margins to win the game. Cliff Lee tossed another gem of a start, going deep into the eighth inning, while Ubaldo Jimenez improved on his first start and went seven strong innings. The two teams matched late three-run innings late, which left the Phillies on the right side of the equation in a 5-4 victory. With the win, the Phillies won the series and advance to their second consecutive National League Championship Series.
Game Summary: Philadelphia Phillies
For most of the night, Cliff Lee dominated the Colorado Rockies lineup once again. Lee commanded all of his pitches and overcame a sketchy strike zone to be effective. The 31-year old pitched with a lead for most of the night, and went 7.1 innings, allowing three runs, one of which was earned, on five hits and three walks. He did not factor in the decision, but struck out five and gave the Phillies a great effort again. The Phillies bullpen was a little shaky at first, but they settled in and held off the Rockies' offense one final time. Brad Lidge entered and recorded the final out against Troy Tulowitzki in an identical situation as last night.
The Phillies came out swinging once again and put an early run on the board, thanks to Shane Victorino's solo homer. Jayson Werth added a solo shot in the sixth and for a while, it seemed like the low-scoring affair would hold that way. However, the Rockies climbed back into the game with three in the eighth inning, which put the pressure on the Phillies offense. After squandering several good scoring opportunities in the game, the Phils manufactured one after being down to their last strike. Ryan Howard delivered a clutch, two-out two-run double that was followed by Werth's game-winning single.
Game Summary: Colorado Rockies
Ubaldo Jimenez pitched well in the game, despite not seeming to ever be in complete control. He allowed a pair of solo home runs and also danced in and out of trouble in most other innings. The Phillies left the bases loaded against him in the third inning, and he allowed six hits and a pair of walks on the night. However, the real damage was done against Huston Street, the Rockies closer. Working with a two run lead in the ninth inning, Street allowed three earned runs on three hits and walk. The performance earned Street a blown save and his second consecutive loss in the series.
On offense, the Rockies didn't manage much against Cliff Lee. They didn't get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when they scratched out a run. The offense came out of its shell in the eighth inning, though, scoring three runs thanks to a Phillies error and a questionable strike zone again. Regardless, a Yorvit Torrealba double plated two runs and gave the Rockies the lead, and seemingly the win. But their offense again could not produce in the ninth inning with the game on the line.
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