210 000 000 100 000 000 1 - W: Valdez (1-0)
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210 000 000 100 000 000 1 - W: Valdez (1-0)
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
You can watch a lot of baseball and not see a series of events like those that occurred in the early morning hours of May 26.
By the time it was over - 19 innings covering 6 hours and 11 minutes - a back-up infielder who had never thrown a major league pitch had one more win than 2010 NL Cy Young contender Ubaldo Jimenez.
Wilson Valdez pitched a scoreless 19th inning -- retiring Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, to boot -- before watching Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez combine to drive home the game winner.
Your final:
Phillies 5, Reds 4
As amusing as Valdez's pitching performance was, the story of the night was one of the gutsiest pitching performance you will see. The last time Danys Baez threw as many as 58 pitches in a game, he was a 20-something-year-old rookie fresh out of Cuba. Last night, as a 33-year-old veteran, he threw 74. Baez pitched five scoreless innings, lowering his ERA from 4.19 to 3.33 in the process.
He was the last line of defense between the bullpen and a pitching cameo by Valdez, and he came through in a huge way.
Those who watch Baez operate behind scenes know that his performance last night was the epitome of who he is: a true professional, determined beyond all imagination, tough as sandpaper, and willing to do anything to contribute to a victory. Since signing with the Phillies two years ago, he hasn't done much on the field. But in the bullpen and in the clubhouse he has emerged as a strong veteran presence, particularly with injuries to Brad Lidge and Jose Contreras.
Last week, as Ryan Madson struggled with his command while warming in the bullpen, Baez shouted out some mechanical flaws he noticed. Madson went on to record the save. Whether it is working with and translating for Contreras or counseling the club's younger pitchers, Baez had evolved into a respected leader.
Last night the Phillies needed him on the mound. He gave them more than they ever could have expected.
In Philadelphia, it is the moments that define you. Maybe it is like that everywhere. But I know Philly. And in Philly, it is the moments that matter: the aging, veteran slugger swinging from his stirrups and crushing a go-ahead home run in the National League Championship Series; the square-nosed center fielder sprinting face first into an outfield fence in order to catch a fly ball; the all-world first baseman signing that contract and giving relevance to a long-suffering franchise.
Last night was Danys Baez's moment. He may never fulfill the expectations the Phillies had for him when they brought him aboard. He may never strike out a batter in the late innings of a tight game. But he can never be accused of not trying his damnedest.
Last night, his damnedest happened to be enough.
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In honor of his performance last night I will refrain from calling Danys Baez "denise" for 1 week.— 92gli- Yeah, like many on this board, I think I'm cured of my Baez hating for a long while now. And even my Herndon hating will take a few weeks off...— Jamesallen
- Ballsy performance from Baez. Fantastic to watch. Spanish and Norwegian girlfriends? Are you trying to make all of us jealous?!?— sla6yer
- As I drove by Danys house on my way to work this morning I almost wanted to drop off a tray of pastelitos for his family.— phasor
- Glad to see Baez do well. Despite his problems, he belongs in Philly. He's a hard worker and really wants to do well.— PhillyRules
- Just like last year against Astros when Howard got thrown out in extra innings and Oswalt had to play left field. First hitter found Oswalt with fly ball. He caught it.
Chooch moves to 3rd base and first batter hits foul pop down line and Chooch did what Chooch does - hustled!
Valdez and Chooch get standing O - Rauuuul gets the winner!
Who will be in the starting line up today?— jmmjr49er - I think it's clear now: Baez is our 18th inning guy and Valdez is the man to call on in the 19th.
I felt good for Baez. He was actually pitching well in spring training and early in the year and was only recently when he seemed to revert back to true 2010 form. You can see it bothers the guy when he doesn't pitch well. This a boost he needed. Maybe it helps him be a solid role player for the rest of his year here.
I've always like Wilson's versatility. He is, I believe, also the emergency catcher. He's legend now. That was just great, great stuff to get to watch. I wish I could have been there.— s - JC Ramirez must go. And by go I mean far away from the Phillies bullpen.
— chben - It's actually JC Romero. JC Ramirez is a promising pitching prospect in the farm system.
They carry Romero mostly to have two left-handers. Bastardo is the obvious best lefty now but a lot of teams like to carry two. The Phillies only really Zagurski in AAA at this point as a possible lefty reliever. They weren't high on Romero after 2010 and only signed him after the Dennys Reyes deal fell through. Romero is not likely to be back next year (one year contract).— s - Murph I have a lot more respect for Baez after his work last night. As for Valdez.— paulNC
- I've ripped Baez as much as anyone in the past but I have to give big props to him for last night. Good job Mr Baez!!!— twpman
- I've severely underestimated Baez as a player. I admit it.— Claudio Vernight
- Fansince09 should change name to Fanbornyesterday— dinsdale
- An unbelievable and unforgettable game, which ended about 10:20 here in CA. Valdez, as I have posted before, has been called upon again and again these past two seasons and whether playing third, second and now PITCHING!, he has come through brillantly. And the work of the bullpen, especially Danny-Boy, was jaw-dropping. GO PHILS!— pajamas
- If you are going to play a 19 inning game, you really need to win knowing you set the bullpen back a couple of days. In most instances, a bullpen can be set back even longer, but not in this Phillies teams' case due to their starting pitching. Now let's win this series... Cliff "Complete Game" Lee is due for a gem.— Clt Philly Fan
