Long game results in big win for Phillies over Reds

    A few of us NewsWorks staffers were at Citizens Bank Park last night, cheering from our seats and munching on over-priced snacks with our respective families. Only one of us made it to inning 19. But even if you left early in the chilly inning 12 air (like myself) with a frown on your face because the Phils couldn’t score just one more run to end it in the 10th, you’ve got to feel good for Wilson Valdez.

    This line from an Associated Press story sums it up nicely: “He hit 90 mph on a fastball to Joey Votto. He shook off catcher Dane Sardinha. And he showed no fear.”

    But don’t take the AP’s word for it. NewsWorks producer Don Henry was there ’til the very end with his son, who Don says would only leave a game early if the rapture was upon us:

    “The rhythm of the crowd was interesting. Around 14, we all just wanted it to end. But then things started to heat up again around 17 and when Charlie made all the changes in the field, and people were laughing and high-fiving. We’d all moved down to good seats, and people were cheering “Valdez.” It was electric. and I hate cliches. Shucks, I’m tearing up just a little…”

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    Valdez made his professional pitching debut and finally ended the six-hour game for a 5-4 win, just hours before today’s 1 p.m. match-up. We want to know your favorite moment from last night’s game, of course, but we also want to know: Did you let your kids stay up for this little slice of Phillies history? Don’t worry, you can be honest. Their teachers are probably half asleep today, too.

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