Pitchers Duel goes to Philadelphia…
Posted: July 10, 2009 Filed under: Dailies | Tags: All Star, Blanton, Duke, Homers, Lidge, Philadelphia, phillies, Pirates, Pitching, Pittsburgh, Romero, Trade, Utley, Victorino, Werth 8 CommentsIt was nothing more than pure speed on the mound tonight, as both Blanton and Duke were quick through each inning, Blanton pitched 7 1/3 innings giving up a solo homer in the first, he allowed just 3 other hits keeping the Pirates bats quiet.
Duke pitched an outstanding game for the Pirates giving up just 3 runs, in 8 innings, all the Phillies runs came in the 3rd inning, the only Phillies batter that seemed to be consistent against Duke was All Star, Victorino who tapped him for 3 hits. Both Utley and Werth got a hit each off Duke during the three run 3rd.
Romero came in to relieve Blanton and got the 3 batters he faced, setting it up for Lidge to get the final 2 outs in the top of the ninth.
Lidge again made the fans sweat and their hearts race, needing just 1 out in the top of the ninth, he gave up a solo homer to Moss, then a single to Wilson and somehow still managed to get the PH to swing through and get himself out, it took Lidge 20 pitches to save the game and a lot of stress and worry for the fans, who went from cheering to crossing their fingers.
I don’t normally single a player out as a player of the game, but today I think I have to give this one to the Pirates pitcher Duke, that was a tough one for him to lose. Imagine what his stats would be like behind the offence the Phillies can produce….. just a thought, while we’re looking for starters…..
Phillies Outside Archive Vault 
Thanks so much for commenting! I hope you comment again, because I will be here for sure again! 🙂 Keep posting, and did you see Sanchez throw a no hitter last night?!!!
http://balorioles.mlblogs.com/
-birdland
Wow. Lidge really is giving you Phllies fans heart attacks this season, and last night sounds like another case of it. But at least he got the save and you guys got the win. Whew.
– http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Looking for a starter, yes, looking for another lefty, probably not. I wish I was able to see this game, but I live in Buffalo and MLB Extra Innings puts the ol’ blackout on Pittsburgh games. Blanton has really been improving, ERA is down to 4.44 and he clearly pitched a great ballgame. I’m really hoping Cole Hamels season turns around, I love him at his best. Nice blog by the way.
http://thepitchersduel.mlblogs.com/
Thanks for hitting me up! Please keep doing so, and nice post. Did you see Sanchez with the no hitter? 🙂
-birdland
http://balorioles.mlblogs.com/
Duke is experiencing the same thing Snell has for several years now: quality performance after quality performance and no support. Pittsburgh is where good pitching goes to die.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Shane Victorino did deserve that last spot, he is a great hitter!
http://balorioles.mlblogs.com/
I think that RSBS is right on. Pittsburg has had its share of decent pitchers, but no offense. I think that Duke has been a surprise this season, though. Hopefully for the Pirates he and Snell can help them get out of the basement for once.
Lidge is an interesting pitcher. So dominent, then not. Obviously he is still dealing with health issues because he has not been the same pitcher since his return.
http://raysfanboy.mlblogs.com
It really was a pitchers dual!
-Dillon
http://dillonm.mlblogs.com