This was Pedro Martinez’ fifth-to-last career regular season start, and it was a gem. He gave up a leadoff homer to Eugenio Velez, of all people, but then proceeded to go seven while scattering just four more hits, no walks, and striking out nine on 87 pitches. A Jayson Werth homer and a Ryan Howard double (after one of those oft-overlooked Chase Utley hit batters) provided all the offense Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge would need to close it out. But Tim Lincecum, when he was reminding people of Pedro, was great as well, allowing just those two runs on four hits, one walk, and eleven strikeouts on 96 pitches over 7 innings.
And look at the time of game:
