Wilson Valdez vs. 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto

It took the Phillies 19 innings to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 early Thursday morning.

However, the big story became Phillies utilityman Wilson Valdez, who stepped in from second base to throw a scoreless top of the 19th to lead the Phils to victory.

Ryan Howard tied the game in the bottom of the 10th inning with a solo home run off of Cincy closer Francisco Cordero.

Following the Howard bomb, both bullpens dominated the action.

After Phillies reliever Danys Baez threw 75 pitches over five innings, manager Charlie Manuel tabbed Valdez as the next man in on the mound.

Incredibly, Valdez retired 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto; Jay Bruce, who had three RBI’s and a homer on the night; and pitcher Carlos Fisher to get out of the 19th frame.

Valdez’s lone hiccup of the inning came when he hit Scott Rolen with a pitch.

After a Raul Ibanez RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 19th inning, Valdez became the first position player to become a winning pitcher since catcher Brent Mayne pulled it off for the Colorado Rockies in 2000.

During his inning of action, Valdez hit between 85 and 90 m.p.h. on the radar gun.

Considering the Phillies used eight pitchers prior to Valdez’s entrance, he might want to stay loose for Thursday afternoon’s series conclusion.

Once more, it’s a good day to be a Phillies fan.