Blanton Fans Career High, Lidge Records Save

Joe Blanton set a new career high with eleven strike outs as he went seven strong innings, by far the best outing of the year by any starting pitcher. Blanton allowed zero runs to the Florida Marlins as the Phillies rebounded from a Memorial Day loss the day before. Although the bullpen made it interesting in the ninth inning.

After Ryan Madson pitched a shut-down eighth inning the duty of closing out the game, with a 5-0 lead to protect, was handed to Chad Durbin. Durbin recorded just one out, walked two and was charged with three runs (only one earned). Scott Eyre replaced Durbin but recorded no stats on his line last night due to Ryan Howard's first error of the season. With what looked like a potential game ending double play Howard threw to second for the first out, but the ball sailed to left field, allowing a pair of runs to score.

Charlie Manuel had seen enough and with the game now in a 5-2 save situation the manager turned to his closer, Brad Lidge. For Lidge it was his first chance to redeem himself after blowing two saves in New York against the Yankees. Lidge entered to a supportive remaining fan base and although he walked his first batter, and allowed one of the base runners to score, he recorded the next two outs. Sealing the deal with a strike out against Wes Helms, Lidge picked up his ninth save of the season.

Of course the story of the night was Blanton, who eclipsed his previous career high of ten strike outs with eleven K's against the Marlins. Entering the game last night with a 7.11 ERA Blanton needed to rebound. Coming off a fantastic first four innings against the Cincinnati Reds Blanton's master piece exploded when the Reds scored five runs in the fifth inning. The Phillies still won the game but some red flags were raised with Blanton's fifth inning. There was no questioning Blanton last night though.

Another side story was Shane Victorino's four hit night. The night before Victorino received some criticism for attempting to steal second base with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, with the Phillies down two runs. He moved on though and gave the Phillies a four hit effort. He scored one run and recorded one RBI. Among his four hits were two doubles.

The Phillies go for the series win tonight when Brett Myers takes the mound.