April 5 -- VINTAGE KENDRICK

CINCINNATI -- During the late innings of last night's rain-delayed -- and thus, late-ending -- game, I was writing what we in the newspaper business call a "running." Basically, it's a cobbled-together version of the game story that appears in the earliest editions of the 50-center.

And while I was writing, I was thinking that Kyle Kendrick didn't pitch particularly well.

In his first start of 2008, Kendrick allowed four runs on eight hits and couldn't get out of the sixth inning, putting more strain on an already taxed bullpen. His fastball and sinker were high in the strike zone, and although he got plenty of his usual groundouts (including five comebackers to the mound), he also benefited from several balls that were hit right at one of his defenders. At one point, he told us later, pitching coach Rich Dubee came out to the mound and scolded him for throwing his sinker too hard. "What, are you trying to be a power pitcher?" Dubee said.

But, as usual, Kendrick got great run support.

And, as usual, he got a win.

Kendrick often pitched better than this last season, en route to his surprising 10-4 record after being called up from Class AA Reading in mid-June. In 15 of his 20 starts, he allowed three or fewer earned runs. But he also benefited from the Phillies' league-leading offense, which gave him 6.67 average runs per start and scored five or more runs in 15 of his starts.

Last night was no different. Pat Burrell belted a two-run homer in a three-run first inning, and Chase Utley went deep twice. The second homer, a solo shot in the fifth, was the 100th of his career. Kendrick pitched with a lead from the moment he stepped on the mound, and although he got into jams in three of his five innings, he never relinquished that lead.

"He got outs when he had to," manager Charlie Manuel said.

And, ultimately, that's how Kendrick will win 10 or more games again this season. He'll keep the Phillies close long enough for the offense to win it. Or else, the offense will give him a big lead, and he'll hold it. Kendrick will never dazzle with his stuff, like Brett Myers or Cole Hamels. He isn't that kind of pitcher, but the Phillies don't need him to be. Not with their offense.

"I definitely was happy I minimized the damage," Kendrick said after the game. "You know, give up a run rather than two or three. Avoid the crooked numbers. I kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win."

That's the idea.