Phils Lose Game, Series, on Brad Lidge Walkoff Hit By Pitch

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Watching all 10 innings of the Phillies' game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon, it kind of felt like watching a back-to-back doubleheader. Problem is, the Phillies only won the first one.

Roy Halladay weathered a two-run first inning and was picked up by his offense, who answered with two of their own in the top of the next frame. Carlos Ruiz homered with Raul Ibanez on base before Chase Utley rocked a solo shot in the third inning. Doc didn't allow another run through five, and the game became official just before it was halted for a rain delay. Halladay's outing was over, but another game loomed with a start time of 4:30. It didn't end as well as the first, particularly for Brad Lidge.

With spot starter/long man Kyle Kendrick unavailable due to pitching for Roy Oswalt after a long rain delay on Friday, the Phillies turned to Michael Schwimer. The second pitch of Schwimer's career left the yard off the bat of Danny Espinosa. As if that's not bad enough, Schwimer did the pop-up point-out thing.

It could only get better from there for Schwimer, and it did. The rookie retired eight of the next nine batters he faced, and no more runs. In the top of the ninth, Ibanez and Ruiz were again a big part of the offense, with Raul drawing a walk and Ruiz singling him to second. Michael Martinez singled to bring in Ibanez, and the Phils entered the ninth up 4-3.

Antonio Bastardo came into the game and racked up three strikeouts. Unfortunately, he gave up a solo shot to Ian Desmond between K's two and three. Aside from that dinger, Bastardo looked untouchable. The remaining fans were on their feet with two strikes and two outs, as close to certain of a win as you can get. But the remnants of a rain-soaked crowd were in store for an even longer day, as Bastardo hung one a bit, and Desmond drilled it out to left.

After a scoreless top of the tenth, Brad Lidge took over for Bastardo, at which point it got pretty ugly for the Phils and their pilgrims. Lidge allowed a double to Ryan Zimmerman. Lidge got behind in the count to Michael Morse, and with everyone in the park knowing he'd have to rely on a fastball to get back in the at bat, the Phils put on the sign for a free pass. Jayson Werth thankfully didn't deliver the winning run, but he did load the bases with a single.

Lidge struck out Espinosa, but then induced vomiting around the Delaware Valley, rather than a double play. Lidge hit Jonny Gomes' giant padded elbow with a pitch, and the game was over. The bullpen blew a save for the second third time this series, and then gave up the winning run on a HBP. Other than a shitty end to the DC trip, there's not much to worry about here.

Jimmy Rollins Leaves
Oh, except Jimmy Rollins left the gain with a groin strain. He's said to be day-to-day, but will get an MRI. We'll keep you posted, but it's certainly not great news.

The Doc Who Stares at Goats
One of the more entertaining moments of the game came when Halladay struck out Werth for the first of two times, both times looking. Werth flipped his bat down, and drew the ire of the ump and Doc, who gave him a solid stare.

Up Next
The Phils come home for a series against the Mets, followed by a weekend set with the Marlins.

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