W - Kendrick (1-1), L - Maine (5-5), S - Lidge (29)
The Philadelphia Phillies got everything they could have wanted from Kyle Kendrick and more. Kendrick pitched deep into the game and the Phillies offense tacked on to an early lead against John Maine of the Mets. Brad Lidge returned as the closer and didn't make things easier, but finished the job in what was a 5-4 win for the Phillies over the Mets.
Kyle Kendrick hadn't started a game since the middle of 2008, but he looked sharp all day. Early on, Kendrick dominated Mets hitters and kept them off balance. It felt like he worked ahead of every hitter. The Mets rarely threatened and Kendrick pitched into the eighth inning. He allowed a two-run homer in the eighth and left to a standing ovation from the crowd. Kendrick went 7.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk. He fanned three and threw 106 pitches overall. Brad Lidge came in and allowed two runs but struck out a pair to record his 29th save of the season.
John Maine returned and only went three innings for the Mets. However, the Phillies tagged him for a run early. After Maine left, allowing the one run on a pair of hits and a walk, the Phillies got to the Mets' bullpen with a couple of long balls. Shane Victorino's two-out two-run shot in the fifth gave the Phillies a decent cushion that they road to the victory. In the eighth inning, the Phils responded to the two runs allowed to tack on another, important run, which proved to be the difference in the game.
This was a huge win for the Phillies. Though the bullpen situation is still very much uncertain, the Phillies have found a way to win. They take a huge step forward and showed a lot of heart in this game and the ball park was electric. Going into tonight's game, this win will help alleviate some of the pressure. With a win tonight, the Phillies can lower their magic number to 14 and eliminate the Mets from division contention.
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