Wednesday, August 27, 2008

All Hail Uncle Cholly!

First things first: The Phillies had absolutely no business winning this one. Down 7-0? Forget it.

Except they clawed back into it, keyed by the suddenly rejuvenated Jimmy Rollins, and took it in deep extras, with Kyle Kendrick warming up in the pen. And the key? Charlie Manuel's willingness to go unconventional with his bullpen. Specifically, he didn't save closer Brad Lidge for the mythical lead the Phillies might never get. (Not to put too fine a point on it, but in extra innings, there are no save opportunities for the home team.) No, Uncle Cholly sent Lidge out there in the 9th, down by a run and desperately needing to keep the gap from getting any bigger, and Lidge delivered.

And Rollins? On fire. Three steals, five hits, a homer...that's a couple of mighty impressive games he's strung together.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your first-place Philadelphia Phillies.

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