Jonathan Papelbon Becomes Phillies All-Time Save Leader

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon got out of some trouble in the ninth and closed the door for the save in tonight's 3-2 win over the Pirates.  With that save, Papelbon became the Phillies' all-time saves leader with 113, breaking a tie with Jose Mesa.

The inning started with a walk, then while attempting to keep the runner close, Papelbon made an errant throw past first baseman Darin Ruf, allowing the tying run to reach third base with one out. With one out, the next batter hit a fly ball to down the right fielder line in foul territory where Jeff Francoeur made the play and then fired a perfect throw to the plate to nail Steve Lombardozzi.

"What just happened?" an almost shocked Papelbon asked Phillies broadcaster Gregg Murphy after the save.

"Exciting play no question about if for Paps record breaking save," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said after the win.  "Frenchy's last throw, right on the money, outstanding."

Papelbon joins Rob Nen (Giants, Marlins) as the only closers in baseball history to lead two different clubs in saves (Red Sox, Phillies).

He's been outstanding this season going 7-for-7 in save chances with a 1.26 ERA and a 16/4 K/BB ratio in 14 1/3 innings.