The closer is back

By just about any measure, the recent Phillies home stand was a winner.

The team continues to be the hottest ticket in town. They sold out all 10 games during the set, and have now sold out more than 50 games in a row, stretching back to last year.

And it’s not just at the box office where this team is hot. They went
7-3 on the home stand. They now head to Colorado to kick off a road trip.

But there is an even more important reason to feel good about the Phillies these days. And I can sum it up in two words: Brad Lidge.

The Phils’ have their closer back. Yesteday Lidge entered the game in the ninth in position to post his first save of the season since returning from two off-season elbow and knee surgeries.

This time last year, Lidge was in the early stages of a season-long meltdown, blowing one save after another, just one season after his “perfect” summer in leading the Phils to a World Series title.

No doubt everyone was looking to see how Lidge would fare back in the closer spot.

He got the job done. Yes, I was among those who believe that at least one of the two fly balls he gave up might have gone out if not for that strong wind, but Lidge’s slider looked like the nasty pitch he had two years ago. Plus, his velocity was in the mid-90s.

After the two fly balls, Lidge got the final out on a weak tapper back to the mound.

Welcome back, Mr. Closer.

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