Phillies closer Lidge to keep his job

MIAMI, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge will retain his job despite his 11th blown save, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said on the team's Web site.

To date, Lidge is 0-8 with a 7.48 ERA and 31 saves in 42 opportunities, the latest Wednesday night after RBI singles by Jorge Cantu and Brett Carroll led to a 7-6 loss to the Florida Marlins.

"He was our closer last year and we signed him to be our closer now," Manuel said. "He's struggling, but at the same time, it's hard for us to close the games out. We've got confidence in him. I keep sending him back out there and hopefully he does the job."

The NL East-leading Phillies need five victories in their remaining 11 regular-season contests to clinch a third straight division title heading into the post-season playoffs.