Struggling Phillies closer Brad Lidge couldn't even record an out Tuesday as he gave up three runs in the bottom of the ninth and the Phillies dropped to the Pirates 6-4.
The loss dropped Lidge to a pitiful 0-6 on the season and hiked up his blown save total to a league-leading nine with a 7.33 ERA to match.
Lidge's struggles continue one season after he was perfect in save situations for the World Champion Phillies.
Lidge's ability to close was already in question before Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen went yard to win the game for the Bucs. But the loss leaves Phils skipper Charlie Manuel having to make a decision on whether Lidge will remain the closer.
This loss hurts even worse because the Phils offense scored two big runs off Pirates closer Matt Capps in the top of the ninth to take the lead.
McCutchen made up for a defensive gaffe earlier in the ninth inning by hitting the game-ending two-run homer off Lidge.
In a game in which both closers couldn't hold leads, the Pirates tied it against Lidge on singles by Luis Cruz and pinch-hitter Brandon Moss, and right fielder Jayson Werth's error for misplaying Moss' hit. McCutchen then won it by hitting Lidge's pitch into the seats in center for his eighth homer.
The Phillies lost for only the second time in nine games despite two homers by Jimmy Rollins on the first two pitches he saw from Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf. Steve Pearce hit a two-run shot and Ryan Doumit added a solo drive for the Pirates against Phils starter Joe Blanton.
The Phightins will have a chance at redemption Wednesday night when Cole Hamels tries to right the ship against to Bucs.
