We've Seen it All: Danys Baez Dominates, Wilson Valdez Pitches and Gets the Win After 19 Long Innings
By: Mike Reisman
Tonight, the Phillies sent Roy Halladay to the mound against the Reds, a team he has been outstanding against in the past, his most recent game against them being his playoff no-hitter. The game seemed like the Phillies would be heavily favored, and Charlie Manuel even decided to not start Domonic Brown and Chase Utley. Of course, the wonderful thing about baseball is that nothing ever goes as planned and tonight was anything but planned.
The game started off well for the Phillies, and it looked like Roy Halladay might actually get some run support. They gave him a quick 3-0 lead, two runs coming from a Ben Francisco home run in the 1st inning, and the other coming from a John Mayberry Jr. single. Halladay would earn the runs, holding the Reds scoreless through five innings, until reigning MVP Joey Votto hit an RBI single, making the game 3-1.
Though Halladay had not allowed more than one run, he had totaled nearly 100 pitches after six innings. With a two run lead and the high pitch count, it would seem like a plausible option to take out Halladay. However, Charlie decided to keep in Halladay, a choice many would have made, and he would pay for it in the 7th when the Reds tied the game on a Jay Bruce single.
The 9th inning would end 3-3, bringing the game into extras. The game looked as if would be over quickly after a 10th inning homer by Jay Bruce gave the Reds a one run lead, however, Ryan Howard answered with a shot of his own, tying the game.
The next eight innings would go by without a single run, as the Phillies used every single one of their relievers, including an (WARNING: I ACTUALLY PRAISE DANYS BAEZ) outstanding five innings by Danys Baez.
Then the Phillies took out Baez. But the thing is, they didn't put in a starter. That's right, the 19th inning was pitched by Wilson Valdez, who has never pitched in the major leagues, or minor leagues. Yet, Valdez pitched a nearly perfect inning that included getting Joey Votto and Jay Bruce to fly out. The only flaw he had was a breaking pitch that got away and hit Scott Rolen.
Finally, in the next half inning, the Phillies would load the bases for Raul Ibanez, who ended the game with a sacrifice fly, ending the game with a final score of 5-4, Phillies. Wilson Valdez got his first career win, and Carlos Fisher got the loss. Valdez is the first position player since 2000 to get a win.
After 19 innings, some things just don't seem important, however, I am convinced this game could have been changed if the Phillies had been happy with taking Halladay out after 6 innings. Now, that's not much for Halladay, but he had already given up eight hits, and had thrown almost 100 pitches.
It was clear that Halladay was not having his best outing, and with a two run lead, the Phillies should have just given Halladay a well-earned rest, and let the relievers take care of the rest. Of course, the choice to leave him in is very reasonable, and was probably the popular choice, but it's decisions like those that usually backfire.
The Phillies definitely did not play their best game tonight, doing things like leaving Raul Ibanez stranded on third after a lead-off triple, or not being able to capitalize on a few opportunities in extra innings. However, they did have a few very bright spots like the fact that every starter other than Halladay had a hit, or the fact that the bullpen was able to manage eight straight scoreless innings. Of course, in the end they won, and that is all that matters.
Ok, normally I would almost never praise Danys Baez, but tonight (this morning?) he has earned all the praise in the world. Baez did what most people, myself included, never believed he could do, which was pitch five innings and 73 pitches. Thats correct, 73 pitches. He managed three strikeouts and allowed only one hit and one walk. In my mind, this game totally redeems him for this year, at least until he screws up again. But until then, I like Baez.
Of course, what is better than Wilson Valdez pitching. This was the first time he has pitched in his career, and he did an outstanding job. Valdez will remember this game forever, and he deserves it. Not everyone can get the MVP out, and Valdez did. Congrats Wilson, you earned it.
The Phillies play later today at 1:05 against the Reds in the final game of this series. Cliff Lee will take on Homer Bailey. BOLD PREDICTION: That game won't be as long.