The Philadelphia Phillies' 7-5 win Thursday night over the Houston Astros reminded me so much of Alanis Morrisette's song Ironic. You remember, don't you? Back in 2005, Brad Lidge steps to the mound to close out Game 5 of the NLCS and give Houston its first-ever visit to the World Series. Up steps Albert Pujols, who promptly launches Lidge's fastball somewhere near...well, its landing has never been officially confirmed. Lidge's "Lights Out" nickname promptly faded as he struggled. Houston felt a change in scenery was needed, so Lidge was sent off to the Phillies.
So what does the punk pitcher do in his first night back in Houston? He pitches the ninth inning, giving up one hit and striking out a batter to seal the win for Philly. Lidge, as of that game, had 13 saves on the season and a season ERA of--no, I'm not making this up--a microscopic 0.43.
I guess a change in scenery was just what the doctor ordered.
Keywords: Albert Pujols, Astros, Brad Lidge, Phillies
