BY SCOTT LAUBERJamie Moyer continued to refuse to act his age (more on him below). Pat Burrell interrupted a 2-for-30 slump with a solo home run. And the Phillies broke a four-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over the Padres, who have perhaps the one offense that's colder than the Phillies'.
But the most encouraging scene tonight was this one.
Brad Lidge, hampered recently by shoulder tendinitis, pitched a spotless ninth inning to earn his 29th save in as many chances. It was Lidge's first appearance since last Friday night at the Bank, and he was razor sharp. He threw 11 pitches (nine strikes), and after Kevin Kouzmanoff lined to center, he struck out Adrian Gonzalez and Chase Headley.
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With seven shutout innings, The Amazing Moyer extended his streak of starts allowing three runs or less to 13. Moyer moved into 53rd place on the all-time list with his 241st career victory. He got his team-leading 11th win and lowered his ERA to 3.64, 16th-best in the NL. The pitchers with better ERAs than the 45-year-old Moyer: Jake Peavy (2.61), Tim Lincecum (2.67), Brandon Webb (2.85), Edinson Volquez (2.86), Johan Santana (2.89), Ryan Dempster (2.92), Dan Haren (2.96), Ben Sheets (3.00), Chad Billingsley (3.11), Jair Jurrjens (3.15), Tim Hudson (3.17), Cole Hamels (3.32), Carlos Zambrano (3.38), John Lannan (3.40) and Matt Cain (3.57).
Moyer repeatedly has said he intends to pitch again next season. But he'll be a free agent. The Phillies must begin considering negotiations to bring him back, don't you think?
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