Phils Hold Off Nationals

Two outs in the ninth inning, fans on there feet, full count to Nick Johnson and Brad Lidge strikes him out looking to end the ballgame. Lidge let out a big roar of relief after securing the victory. You can just feel his intensity through your TV and at the ballpark. Let's retrogress back to the beginning of the game. J.A. Happ was making his second start of the season, he pitched well against the Yankees in a no decision and was looking for his fist win as a starter. In a 1-1 game in the bottom of the third and with Shane Victorino and Chase Utley on base Raul Ibanez delivered a single to center field to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead. They added one more run later in the inning, and the Phils were off to a solid start. The Nationals are a very tough ballclub. The have an underrated offense and are never out of any game. They showed that in the sixth inning. With rbi's from Josh Bard and Anderson Hernandez, the Nationals crawled to within one run of the Phillies. Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge all threw scoreless innings out of relief and the Phillies went on to win 5-4.
Brett Myers
During Wednesday's game Brett had to leave the game with right hip inflammation. Yesterday a doctor recommended surgery, but Brett went to get a second opinion today and he said surgery was needed. Brett has elected to get surgery and could miss the remainder of the 2009 season. For right now the Phillies are looking to stay within the organization to fill Brett's spot in the rotation. The most likely candidates are Kyle Kendrick, Antonio Bastardo, Andrew Carpenter, and possibly 2008 third round pick Vance Worley.
UP NEXT
Tomorrow Cole Hamels will face Shairon Martis. Last Sunday, Cole allowed two runs in six innings. He could not get the win because Brad Lidge blew a save in ninth, but Carlos Ruiz captured the team and lead them to vicotry in the tenth. Martis had a rough outing last time. Martis went six innings and gave up five runs. Martis really struggled with his command the whole time and is looking for a more positive result tomorrow.