OSWALT SWATS THE NATS.
Oswalt warmed up for his start on Friday. But, due to a rain delay that lasted over two hours, he never made a pitch. Kyle Kendrick, who was scheduled to pitch on Saturday, moved up and gave the Phillies six strong innings. He left the game with a 4-2 lead.
Lidge and Bastardo pitched scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth. In the ninth, Ryan Madson gave up six runs, surrendering a grand slam walk off to Ryan Zimmerman.
After a disappointing lost Friday night, Roy Oswalt pitched eight strong innings collecting nine strikeouts. His fastball reached 94 mph and he had pin-point control.
The return of the fourth ace is a plus. And the bullpen has been among the best in the NL. But Ryan Madson can’t seem to pitch three games in a row. And that means Bastardo and Lidge will have to contribute. With ten days remaining until the waiver deadline will Ruben Amaro make a final move for the playoffs?
