Madson Saves the Nailbiter

As seen on Phillies Nation.

It’s never easy. The 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers lowered the Phillies’ magic number to three. In addition, they eliminated the Florida Marlins from National League East contention.

Like he did in the 2008 NLDS, Jimmy Rollins set the tone with a lead-off home run. Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino each doubled in runs. For the second straight night, the Phillies jumped to a 4-0 lead. Unlike Saturday, the Phillies were able to provide an extra run — a Pedro Feliz RBI single — that was the difference.

The Phillies led 6-1, but the Brewers continued to fight back. Mat Gamel’s three-run home run off Joe Blanton made it a ball game again. Blanton, who expressed his anger in Dana DeMuth’s inconsistent strike zone, gave up five earned runs in 5.2 innings. He allowed seven hits, walked four, and struck out four.

After Ryan Braun’s RBI single in the sixth, Sergio Escalona was asked to escape a jam. With a runner on, Escalona was able to get Prince Fielder to ground into a fielder’s choice. Chad Durbin pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, before Ryan Madson entered the eighth inning with a runner on. Madson picked-off Corey Hart, and Howard applied the tag. After throwing one pitch in the eighth, Madson would attempt the four-out save. However, he’d have to get through the meat of the order.

Madson allowed a double to Fielder, but Mike Cameron was rung up to end the game. Madson pumped his fist, securing his ninth save of the year, and the big win.

The Phillies and Brewers split the series, two games apiece. They end the road trip an even 5-5. The Phillies return home for a big series against the Houston Astros, who swept them earlier this month. They’ll look to clinch as early as Tuesday.

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