By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor

Brad Lidge lasted an entire 11 pitches. He tossed .1 innings, surrendering two hits, including a home run to catcher Rod Barajas, his second of the night.

Lights On Lidge enetered the game in the ninth with the Phillies trailing the Mets, 8-1. He left with a 9-1 deficit, and was replaced by JC Romero.

The game was Lidge’s first since returning from the DL yesterday. Ironically, he takes over for Ryan Madson, who was placed on the DL Friday with a broken toe thanks to his David Akers impression on a water cooler.

Madson had a nice puffy 7 ERA, identical to Lidge’s from a year ago. Lidge picked right up where he and Madson left off, now boasting a 27 ERA.

OK, we know it’s his first game in a non-save situation. We know the season is still far from over.

We also know the Phillies will not advance very far without a legit big league closer. The team pinned their hopes on Lidge by opting not to pursue a closer in the offseason.

Ruben Amaro may have more explaining to do over the closer situation than he’s had to do over some guy named Lee.