Even when the Phillies win lately, it can't be easy.

In his first save opportunity since June 12, the still perfect Brad Lidge collected his 19 save of the season in Mitch Williams-like fashion. He made it interesting.

With just one out, a two-run lead and runners on the corners, Lidge punched out two of the American League's most potent bats.

First he struck out Josh Hamilton, the American League leader in home runs (19) and RBIs (78). Then Lidge reared back and sent down AL hitting leader Milton Bradley (.330) on strikes, too.

"I definitely hadn’t had that kind of adrenaline in a while," Lidge said. "It felt great to be in that situation."

Great to be able to get out of it. Lidge admitted he didn't feel so good giving up a leadoff double to begin the inning.

But if there's any Phillie a fan would be hard-pressed to criticize, it's Lidge. H's now 19-for-19 in save chances. Among National League relievers, only Dodgers lefty Hong-Chih Kuo (0.76) has a lower ERA than Lidge's 0.84.

But perhaps more important in the grand scheme of the Phillies hopes to escape their current June swoon was the collective effort of the offense. Every starter save Pat Burrell collected at least one hit while Chase Utley and Ryan Howard led the way with home runs.

If the Phillies can get those two going at the same time - and Jimmy Rollins, who came inches away from sliding in safely with an inside-the-park home run Saturday night - this team may still be able to create distance between itself and the rest of the division.

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The Archive Files

Brett Myers outdoes himself with the shortest outing of his career and the worst of a forgettable 2008 in Friday night's loss to Texas.

In the notes, a former Phillies pitcher has found a home deep in the heart of Texas with the Rangers.