Madson happy to claim eighth inning

PHILADELPHIA -- In a perfect postseason, Ryan Madson pitches the eighth inning and Brad Lidge pitches the ninth.

That was the way it worked last season when the Phillies won their second World Series in 126 years. That was the way they expected it to be this season as they tried to become the first National League team to win consecutive World Series since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

But as Lidge struggled this season, Madson sometimes closed.

Fortunately for the Phillies, Lidge has rediscovered his mojo this postseason and is back in the ninth inning.

"When he was having his struggles, everybody was willing to step in and do whatever it took, and say we're fine and we'll get it done," Madson said. "But the ideal situation is having him in the ninth, just what he did last year and what he's done his whole career. He's a guy you can trust when the game is on the line, and that's what our team wants, and that's what our team needs in the ninth inning. We're all happy to have him back and put everybody back in our slots where they're comfortable. We're very fortunate to have him back throwing the ball well at this time."

Lidge is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and three saves in four postseason appearances. Madson is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in six appearances after he went 5-5 with a 3.26 ERA and 10 saves in 79 appearances in the regular season.

"I don't know if they expect too much," said Madson, asked if fans sometimes expect too much from relief pitchers. "They expect good things. Most of the time they get that. I think sometimes when fans run into problems is they expect perfection, and I only saw one guy do it ever during the season, and it was Lidge last year. But he still had an ERA. He still gave up some runs, but he never blew a save.

"I think sometimes fans get in the mode of perfect, and that's just impossible. I think that's the only time the fans could realize, hey, nobody is going to be perfect, but as long as they're consistent and you can trust them for the most part, that's as good as you're going to get."

The Phillies' bullpen has been consistent this postseason. It is why they entered Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night needing just one victory to clinch a berth in the World Series.

"I had no doubt," Madson said. "Once this playoff thing started, [Lidge] had a good attitude. He put everything behind him. He did every time during the season, too, but it was just something different. The way he was throwing the ball just looked so much different than during the regular season when he was struggling, and I think his confidence was there. A lot of it in the ninth inning is mental, and he finally got on that good mental track, and hopefully he continues it the rest of the postseason."