I’m not sure, but I’d be willing to beat that Brad Lidge has moved past that game in Houston in the playoffs when Albert Pujols smacked that bomb deep into the night.
Remember that one? Some say it was the reason why he struggled for a bit during his time with the Astros and led to his trade to the Phillies.
Either way, it appears to have worked out pretty well for both the Phillies and Lidge. After all, 41-for-41 in save opportunities is pretty darned good. Better yet, his 1.95 ERA is a tad inflated by a handful of rocky outings in non-save appearances.
Plus, Lidge nailed down the Game 1 victory with a six-hitter save where he notched three strikeouts on 35 pitches.
Heading into the game, Lidge threw at least 24 pitches in his last three save chances, which is a bit too high. In fact, the last time the closer had a 1-2-3 save was Sept. 18 in Atlanta. But since the closer is only working for one inning he doesn’t really have to be the model of efficiency.
He clearly took his time in Game 1 by going to deep counts against nearly everyone. Four hitters worked the count to 3-2 and Ryan Braun doubled down the line in right to help push across the Brewers only run, while J.J. Hardy walked with two outs.
In the end, though, it wasn’t enough.
Lidge is Machiavellian. The end justifies the means. He’ll get there at his own pace.
But is it OK to be worried that it’s taking a little too long?
Game 1: Phillies 3, Brewers 1