The Phils haven't had too many dramatic wins this season but tonight was one they had to have and they got it. Once again the offense wasn't great managing just 4 runs on 8 hits, but for one night at least, that was enough. Kyle Kendrick was great allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 4 in 6 and 2/3rds innings. For most pitchers on most teams that would have been enough for a win, but not for Kendrick. Instead he was left with a no decision as the Phils twice blew late leads. First, the Phils took the early 2-1 lead on a solo homer by Shane Victorino in the 1st inning, and an unearned run on an infield single and an error in the 3rd.
Just back from the DL, Ryan Madson was quickly thrown into the 8th and had a bit of a shaky outing ,but was this close to getting out of it unscathed. In fact, he struck out Brandon Phillips to end the inning but Brian Schneider couldn't keep the ball in front of him and Phillip reached base safely. Ryan Madson then tossed a wild pitch, allowing a run to score to tie it at 2. The Phils came right back in the bottom of the inning with Wilson Valdez tripling and scoring to put them back on top at 3-2. It looked like that lead would finally be enough for the Phils but with 2 out in the 9th, Miguel Cairo of all people, slapped an RBI double to tie it up at 3.
After that the Phils had golden opportunities in the 9th, 10th, and 11th, to push across the winning run but they came up short each time. Thanks to 3 brilliant scoreless innings out of Nelson Figueroa at that time the Reds didn't have much more luck ending the game either. Finally in the bottom of the 12th with 1 out Brian Schneider crushed a pitch hanging in the middle of the plate, deep to the right field and it was up, up, and gone for the huge 4-3 win. This is not to say the Phils have momentum now will get back on track but rather that they simply couldn't have afforded to lose this one and risk falling anymore then 6 games back. Anyway with the win they move to 44-40 overall and back to within 5,5 games of 1st in the NL East. Here's hoping the Phils are able to build on this most dramatic victory. God knows they have nothing else from which to find motivation
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