Paplebon Becomes Phillies’ All-Time Saves Leader During Win Over Pittsburgh

Jonathan Papelbon’s arm nearly cost he and the Phillies an historic moment Wednesday night at Citizen’s Bank Park. Jeff Francoeur’s arm more than made up for things. Papelbon earned save No. 7 on the season and No. 113 as a Phillie to become the club’s all-time leader in saves as the Phillles beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2. But it was Francoeur’s throw to home plate from right field that really saved the game, and his closer’s bid for something only one other pitcher in MLB history has achieved – being the saves leader for two different franchises. With his 332nd save overall, Papelbon is also the all-time leader for the Red Sox, with whom he earned 219prior to joining Philadelphia. However, his errant pickoff throw to first base with one out in the ninth allowed pinch runner Pinch-runner Steve Lombardozzi to scoot to third base and represent the tying run in a game that the Phillies had come from behind in support of starter Cole Hamels to erase a 2-0 lead. The Pirates Jordy Mercer, who had already collected a hit and run scored on the evening, hit a ball that, in most cases, would have been deep enough for a sacrifice fly down the right-field line that Francoeur corralled in foul territory and launched home in time for Carlos Ruiz to apply the tag and end the game. For more on this story, click here. For more on this game, click here.