Ben Francisco An Unlikey Hero as Phillies Take 2-1 Lead Over Cards

My stomach was in knots all game long.

Cole Hamels and Jamie Garcia were locked in a 0-0 tie.

Then with two out in the seventh and two on, up comes Ben Francisco.

Oh, no, not this guy. He has collected more pine than hits.

Boom.

Three-run home run. 3-0 Phillies.

Brad Lidge was shaky leading to St. Louis' first run in the eighth, but Ryan Madson came in for a five-out save.

Albert Pujols started the ninth with a double, but I was not worried.

With two out, Yadier Molina singled to score Pujols, but Ryan Theriot, who was 4-4 when he came to bat, grounded out to end the game. 

Phillies win, 3-2.

The Phillies now take a 2-1 lead in the series.