Manuel brought in Juan Perez to start the 8th inning with the score 8-1 Phillies. He promptly walked the first three batters, and Ryan Madson was brought into the game to get out of the inning. He induced a double play on the first batter, but after a single, HBP, BB, and another single, the tying run came to the plate.
Manuel went to Bastardo to record the final four outs of the game.
I have no problem with how Manuel used Perez or Bastardo, and there's really not too much of an issue with Madson either.
If Madson were 100% healthy and completely immersed in the closer's rule, I would have been furious if he came into a 8-1 game -- regardless of the base/out situation. But since Madson is recovering and seemingly not-yet-100%, I will reserve judgment on Manuel until it is clear that Madson is "back."
Michael Martinez hit a 3-run home run to extend a 1-0 lead to 4-0 (today on WIP, Howard Eskin and Ike Reese both said that the home run came in a 5-1 game, extending the lead to 8-1; simply incredible). Regardless, he should not be hitting second in any major league lineup, let alone a World Series contender. Just switch him with Mayberry, who is clearly the better hitter.
Tonight the Phils go to Chicago for game one of a three-game set.
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