It took all of one pitch for things to look bad last night at Citizens Bank Park.

Pedro Martinez, taking on the task of facing Giants’ ace and reigning NL Cy Young Award holder Tim Lincecum, was taken out of the park on the very first pitch of the night. 1-0 Giants before most of the “Phaithful”
were even in their seats.

Go ahead, admit it. You were saying to yourself, “Uh-oh, here we go. The Giants are going to take this series.”

Say it ain’t so, Pedro.

Exactly.

From that point on Martinez outdueled Lincecum as the Phils won a classic pitchers’ duel, 2-1.

Martinez struck out 9, while Lincecum struck out 11.

This series had all the feel of something that happens about a month from now.

They call it the playoffs.

Last night not withstanding, I sill have no great desire to face the Giants in the playoffs.

That pitching staff is capable of shutting anyone down in a short series.

The good thing is that it appears the Phils are ready to match them arm for arm.

Vote for Pedro!