Phils Win, Francisco Comes Through

Benny Boy, Matt Stairs stlye, yessirrr

First off, that was the most painful game I ever watched.

But somehow, someway, the Phils managed to edge out a 3-2 victory and take a 2-1 series lead against the Cardinals.  From the get go it was a pitcher's duel.  Jaime Garcia was absolutely dealing, and although Hamels pitch count was high, he was getting guys out and managed to pitch 6 scoreless innings.  It was a 0-0 game in the top of the 7th until the Cards walked Carlos Ruiz to get to Ben Francisco who hit a 3 run bomb, Matt Stairs style.  Absolutely unexpected clutchness.

From there the Phils went with Vance Worley who gave up a run in the bottom of the inning.  Worley then came back into the game in the 9th and after he allowed the lead off base runner aboard, Ryan Madson entered the game in search of a 5 out save.  Madson came in and got an inning ending double play and the end was in sight.  In the 9th Madson allowed a run, but he somehow found a way to get the save and the Phils won by a final of 3-2.

For the Phillies the win is absolutely huge.  The win guarantees that worse case scenario the series will head back to Philadelphia.  It also ensures that worse case scenario Roy Halladay will get another crack at the Cards.

It truly was an agonizing game to watch.  It was scoreless for the majority of the game, and you just had this sense that the game would be changed drastically with one swing of the bat.  I honestly felt like I had been watching the game for days, and I was so relieved when Chase Utley made the final out.

The Phillies are so dangerous because they have so many guys who can hurt you and tonight was a prime example of that depth.  Ben Francisco came up huge, and now the Phillies are in complete control of this series.