W - Martinez (3-0), L - Lincecum (13-5), S - Lidge (28)
From the outset, this looked like a pitcher's duel in the making. Anyone expecting a stellar start from Pedro Martinez and Tim Lincecum was not disappointed. The Phillies managed to scratch out two runs off of the young Lincecum and Pedro shut down the Giants after giving up a lead off homer and the Phillies won the game and the series by a score of 2-1.
Pedro Martinez was sharp all night. The very first pitch he threw was crushed for a solo home run by Eugenio Velez of the Giants. After that though, it was all Pedro, as he matched zeroes with Lincecum most of the rest of the way. In all, Martinez gave up five hits and one earned run, while not allowing a walk. Pedro also struck out a season-high nine batters en route to his third win in a Phils uniform.
It was a tough night for Tim Lincecum, even though he fanned 11. His pitch count got up after seven innings and he was lifted for a pinch hitter. He didn't get much run support, despite an early lead and the Phillies offense finally got to him. Jayson Werth hit a moon shot for his 30th homer of the season, while Ryan Howard continued his late-season assault with an RBI-double, which was the difference in the game. The Phils were unable to tack on runs but their bullpen held the lead and dealt Lincecum his fifth loss of the season.
This was a huge win for the Phillies against a quality opponent and a star pitcher. Despite not scoring much, they did just enough and got the best start of the season from Pedro Martinez. The victory was important at home, as they took two of three from the Giants and moved to 77-54 on the season. The Phillies now have their magic number down to 23 and that could shrink, pending play tonight.
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