No Day At The Park

A day after the Phillies saw a 7-1 lead go to waste with Cole Hamels on the mound no less, they found a different way to lose. This time, entering the bottom of the 8th trailing, 4-3, Chase Utley smacked a 1-2 pitch into the right field seats to even the game. Raul Ibanez then singled and displayed great base running, going from first to third on a Jason Werth single to center. Ibanez' speed was said to be comparable to former Phil left fielder, Pat Burrell, however it didn't look like it on that play. Ibanez then scored on a Pedro Feliz sacrifice fly to right to give the Phils a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth. You know what that means, right? Automatic Phils win or such was the case last season as Brad Lidge was a perfect and remarkable 47 of 47 in save opportunities. Last night, Lidge showed he is a mere mortal like the rest of us as he gave up 4 runs, including a 3-run homer to blow the save and the game as the Phils lost their third game in a row by the score of 8-5. Lidge was apparently jinxed by receiving the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award prior to this game. Unlike opening night when some Phils fans embarrassingly began booing 17 minutes into the game, the true Philly fans displayed a tremendous amount of class and knowledge yesterday. Lidge allowed a double to Jody Gerut in the ninth and he scored on a Brian Giles grounder to first. Acknowledging a fantastic effort and streak, Phillies fans stood and applauded Lidge. After the game, Lidge said, "Normally, you're not happy in a situation like that, but it made me feel good. I'm still not happy with how we performed, but I appreciate our fans."