Sometimes the most important weapon in a closer’s repertoire is his reputation. Better than a fastball mixed with a nasty array of sliders, the mere thought that a pitcher is unhittable is probably half the battle.
For Brad Lidge at this point of the season, he’s known for that nasty slider and his perfect save record. With a perfect, 1-2-3 ninth – a complete 180-degree flip from yesterday’s ninth inning – Lidge saved his 43rd game in a row.
And he didn’t even break a sweat.
Lidge threw 35 pitches to six hitters yesterday for the tensest save in Phillies’ history since Mitch Williams used to pitch the ninth inning. This time, however, he needed just 12 pitches to nail it down and give the Phillies a 2-0 series lead and a chance to sweep it and advance to the NLCS on Saturday night.
Five more wins and the Phillies are in the World Series.
Game 2: Phillies 5, Brewers 2 Phillies lead best-of-five series, 2-0