Jimbunning
Kevin McAlpin covers the Phillies for 97.5 The Fanatic.  Follow him on Twitter (@KevinMcAlpin)

For much of the night Saturday, it looked like Reds starter Travis Wood was going to completely shut down the Phillies en route to a perfect game.  I'll be the first to go on the record and say I would have liked to see it happen.  Why?  Not because I wanted the Phillies to lose!  If you read my previews and columns on the Phils, you'll know that I'm a life-long fan who is fortunate to cover the team on a daily basis.  Yes, I'm a Phillies fan…but I'm also a baseball fan.  I appreciate the history of the game, and all those throughout history who have made this game so special.  From Cy Young, to David Cone, from Sandy Koufax to Randy Johnson and everyone in between, the list of men who have accomplished this rare feat is quite amazing.

Early on, many of the 45,347 fans at Citizens Bank Park were probably unaware what was unfolding before their very eyes.  However, after the seventh inning it was quite clear.  The Phillies hadn't gotten a hit, nor a base runner.  As Carlos Ruiz ripped a 2-1 fastball in to the left field gap, the ballpark erupted.  Many, just excited the Phillies now had a runner in scoring position with a chance to win.  However, I truly believe that many of those cheering were also acknowledging the amazing performance put on by the the 23-year-old southpaw. 

Before you post nasty comments and call me an idiot, take a moment to think about what we almost witnessed tonight.  Only 20 pitchers have ever tossed a perfect game.  It's happened twice this year, so it may be years until we see it again.  You have to go back 130 years to find another season that's had two perfect games.  One tonight would have been the first season ever with three!  45,347 fans in South Philly were nearly lucky enough to see it in person.  A tip of the cap has to go to Reds starter Travis Wood who came oh-so-close to entering the record books!