Pedro Shuts Down Mets as Phils Sweep Doubleheader
pitches in the second inning of the second game
of a baseball doubleheader against the New York Mets,
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Philadelphia.
And still is.
The 37-year-old is healthy and pitching like his old Cy Young self and giving the Phillies every reason to believe he can keep this going the rest of September — and October.
Martinez tossed six-hit ball and threw 130 pitches in eight shutout innings, leading NL East-leading Philadelphia to a 1-0 win over the New York Mets and a doubleheader sweep on Sunday night.
"I came here with the mentality that, in the last quarter of the season, I could help this team when it matters probably the most," he said. "I think today was a good example of what really mattered — to give the bullpen a rest, to help your teammates when you're needed."
Ryan Madson worked a scoreless ninth for his eighth save after Brad Lidge finished the opener, won 5-4 by the Phillies.
Martinez (5-0) was still going strong when he hit 90 mph and fanned David Wright for the first out in the eighth and officially made it his longest outing of the year.
The 32nd straight sellout crowd chanted "Let's Go Pedro!" and wildly cheered every strike from the former hated Met. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel visited with Martinez after he gave up a two-out double to Daniel Murphy.
The fans roared when Manuel jogged back to the dugout with Martinez still on the mound.
"I was keeping him in anyway," Manuel said. "I had to see what he was going to say."
Tim Redding (2-6) was just as effective over six innings and retired 14 straight at one point, allowing only Chase Utley's RBI single in the first inning.
Martinez could be 7-0 if he didn't run into some bad luck with rain and have two starts cut short. He's pitched at least six innings in each of his last three starts, allowing just four runs. Martinez has a 6-2 career postseason record and would be a good fit in the Phillies rotation if they win their third straight NL East title.
