Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Wilson Valdez has a new career as a late-inning reliever. Â Late. Really, really late.
Valdez shifted over from second base and wound up as the winning pitcher early Thursday when the Philadelphia Phillies needed 19 innings to outlast the Cincinnati Reds 5-4.
In front of a dwindling crowd at Citizens Bank Park, Raul Ibanez hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to decide the longest major league game of the season. It ended at 1:19 a.m. local time after 6 hours, 11 minutes.
Shaving cream nestled in his beard and dripping off his ear in the locker room, Valdez wanted to keep pitching.
“I can go for three more, four more (innings). Whatever,” he said.
Who knows? The Phillies might need him on short notice
Not much time for rest, either. The teams were set to play again Thursday at 1:05 p.m.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel strolled through the clubhouse after 1:30 a.m. wishing everyone a good morning.
He had every reason to smile because of Valdez.
Valdez threw a hitless 19th inning in his first professional pitching appearance. Phillies fans stood and chanted “Let’s go, Wilson!” when the 33-year-old Valdez shifted from second to the mound.
The first batter he faced was Joey Votto, and the reigning NL MVP flied out to deep center field.
Valdez acted like a seasoned closer. He hit 90 mph on a fastball to Votto. He shook off catcher Dane Sardinha. And he showed no fear.
“If he hits a home run, they’re not going to say anything to me,” said Valdez, laughing.
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