Phillies Reach World Series with 4-1 Series Win over Dodgers in NLCS
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 | Andre Ethier, Brad Lidge, Charlie Manuel, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, Manny Ramirez, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Sports
For the 2nd straight post-season, it took just 5 games for the Phillies to eliminate the Dodgers from October playoffs in a dominating NLCS victory. Overcoming another poor start from Cole Hamels (4 1/3 innings, 3 ER on 5 hits and 1 walk), the Phillies scored early and often to make it clear that they intended to defend their World Series title all the way to the end.
Jayson Werth led the Phillies offense – Werth’s 2-out, 3-run home run in the 1st inning gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead after Andre Ethier had put the Dodgers on the board 1st with his solo home run. It was a great answer for the Phillies who quickly showed that they would not be denied. Werth added a solo shot in the 7th inning and finished the night with crazy numbers – 3 for 4, 4 RBI’s and 3 runs scored. Not bad, especially against his former team. Shane Victorino also had a solid night in the win – 2 hits, including a 2-run HR in the 6th inning, with 3 RBI’s and 1 run scored.
The only negative was the starting pitching off Hamels. Hamels made it into the 5th inning with a 6-2 lead, but after giving up a solo HR to pinch-hitter Orlando Hudson and a 1-out double to Rafael Furcal, Manager Charlie Manuel did not want to take any chances. Manuel pulled Hamels for J.A. Happ and later Chad Durbin who got the Phillies out of the jam unscathed, still leading 6-3. Manuel was forced to use 5 relievers, but knowing that if they won they would have a week of rest before the World Series started on Wednesday, October 28th, he wasn’t too concerned. Brad Lidge even closed out the 9th inning in perfect fashion with 1 strike out. Manuel should be feeling good about Lidge right now – in 5 playoff appearances this October (4 innings), Lidge has given up just 1 hit and 3 walks and no runs period. He has saved 3 games and won 1 game and looks to have regained that form that makes him one of the more dominating closers in baseball. Assuming the New York Yankees close out their ALCS against the Angels, it will be interesting to see how Lidge handles a World Series save situation in front of thousands of screaming fans in the Bronx – should be fun to watch.
The Phillies major concern should be starting pitching after Cliff Lee. Hamels continues to struggle and who knows how Pedro Martinez or Joe Blanton will fare against a solid Yankees lineup. The Phillies have been there before though, and their lineup is so deep and good, a Phillies-Yankees World Series should be fun to watch…
