Cole in complete control in Game 1 masterpiece

Impervious to the playoff pressure, Cole Hamels took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and allowed two hits while striking out nine over eight innings in a 3-1 carving of the Brewers. The Phillies take a 1-0 series lead.

Cole and a batch of gift runs in the third inning made the difference for the Phils in a game contested by two anxious offenses that combined for just eight hits. Brad Lidge came on to close out the ninth and made it an adventure, striking out the potential go-ahead run with men on second and third to end the Brewers’ threat, giving the Phillies their first post-season win in 15 years and a 1-0 edge in the series.

Beerleaguer: Cole was the shining light in a game that featured far more bad than good. The 24-year-old ace took another step in elevating his status as one of the elite pitchers in the game, building on last season’s October taste test to notch his first-career playoff win. Similar to their four-game sweep, the Brewers’ offense looked uncomfortable the entire game. They had no idea what was coming, and didn’t bother sticking around very long to find out, taking their hacks and taking a seat. Cole had them by the neck and squeezed.

To the offense, Chase Utley laced a double to center than got caught in the wind and fooled center fielder Mike Cameron, dropping out of his outstretched glove and allowing two unearned runs to score. It was the big blow, but it wasn’t the best at bat. That honor goes to Shane Victorino’s bases-loaded walk, staying patient with Yovani Gallardo’s breaking pitches. Otherwise, it was a dangerously quiet afternoon for the Phils’ offense, which suffered from a couple of bad right/right match-ups, particularly Jayson Werth, who went 0-4 with three strikeouts. Lots of jitters from everyone but Cole, but Cole was all that mattered today.

Comments

[Zach_Morris]

Can't win too many games with no earned runs. Things will be easier against Sabathia, right? Right??

[Jim]

15 long years since one of these folks - make me almost want to fire up a Smashing Pumpkins CD...

[clout]

Jack: Clearly Cholly operates on a higher cognitive plane than the rest of us. He knew he could win starting Feliz and he knew he could win by yanking Hamels. Even though all known logic and intelligence said those moves were idiotic. We just have to accept that he is on another level.

[The Other Kevin]

I guess that BS about Cole not being a big-game pitcher can kind of go by the wayside, huh?

That being said, I'd like to see more out of the lineup, and it was a titanically stupid move to take Hamels out in that spot. He had completely owned the Brewers' lineup all day, and Lidge had been shaky in his last couple of games.

[petey]

Cole just said in his press conference that he didn't want to pitch the 9th. Might have just being nice/giving Lidge a vote of confidence, but he didn't answer the question ("did you want to pitch the 9th?") with a "hell yeah" or anything...

In fact he specifically said "No, the last time I did that I gave up a 2-run HR to Fielder"

[diggitydave]

If you would have told me we would have scored 3 runs and gotten 4 hits against an injured Gallardo and a makeshift Brewers' bullpen, I would have thought there's no way we win this game.

Cole came up HUGE and the clutch hitting was there courtesy of Utley. What shouldn't be forgotten, however, are the clutch at-bats by Burrell and Victorino to draw the walks by Gallardo in that 3-run inning.

[Jonesman]

Awesome win, but Dobbs should have hit in the 8th for Pedro. You can always move Brunt to 3rd if you are that worried about it, but I think I could count on one hand the number of plays for the 3rd basemen when Lidge has been pitching this year.

[GoPhilsGo]

One of the best games, if not the best game I've seen Cole pitch. I did want to see him complete the game, but so be it. It all worked.

[NEPP]

Great outing by our Ace!!!

Lock him up long term already...the man's got a 133 career ERA+.

[kbless]

My dad says we have to start calling him two-pack Lidge for the cigarettes we have to smoke when he pitches. Regardless, the man is perfect this year and we had not won a playoff game in 15 years. I think Cholly was just trying to go with his sure thing. Two-pack makes us nervous, but he never seems to get rattled and so far this year has always come through in the end.

[Jonesman]

Cole Hamels is so great, and we are lucky to have a pitcher like him on our team. I really hope he is here for a long time.

[Matt B.]

It was awful having to watch the game on Saturday by listening to the radio. Today in work I was stuck watching Gamecast and freaking out in the 9th with requests to turn off my gamecast. No chance I was turning that off.

[Bill]

I hope they reward Hamels nicely this off season as opposed to the way they did not last year. We need to keep him long after his arbitration years!

Lidge looked bad but Charlie had to go to him. Could you imagine if he left Hamels in and they lost the lead? Manuel would be hung after the team went 79-0 using Lidge and the rest of the bullpen.

[Bill]

I hope they reward Hamels nicely this off season as opposed to the way they did not last year. We need to keep him long after his arbitration years!

Lidge looked bad but Charlie had to go to him. Could you imagine if he left Hamels in and they lost the lead? Manuel would be hung after the team went 79-0 using Lidge and the rest of the bullpen.

http://www.phightinphils.com

[NEPP]

Interesting:

Pythagorean record: 93-69
Actual Record: 92-70

Basically in the Phillies case, they won almost exactly how many games they should have.

[vegas]

I'm shocked Cole did not want to pitch in the 9th. If that's the case then Charlie has no choice but to go with Lidge. Ugly innings by Lidge lately but, he gets it done. There are no pictures on the box score. Important fist game win.

[philb]

Why do they continue to play Feliz. This game should have been blown wide open...

[CJ]

Remember... Cole might just be saying what he thinks is the right thing here. He's never been real good with interviews.

He may not want to make it sound like he doesn't trust Lidge so he said he didn't want to pitch the 9th.

Or... maybe he was tiring a bit... and didn't trust his stuff vs. Fielder, et al as much as he trusted Lidge. That's the luxury of having the top closer in the game.

Now... if we had the Mets bullpen, I would be crucifying Hamels right now for coming out of that game.

[J. Weitzel]

One thing is certain: I don't want Lidge pitching anything more than an inning right now. Still perfect, but I'd go so far as to say he's struggling.

[gino]

Mitch Williams said Lidge will be fine to pitch tomorrow. Says throwing 120 pitches in the ninth will help lidge whose fastball was crawling up there at times because he won't be so stiff. The layoff was the culprit in the poor outing, he says. Whatever, dude. That was almost a nightmare.

[Benny Profane]

I would be terrified bringing in Lidge in a one-run game.

[T Mac]

Regarding Lidge - yes, he's been struggling a bit lately, but is still clutch. Don't forget that it was raining hard which might be a reason he struggled so much with his breaking pitches.

Hamels was a stud- question is whether to use him in game 4 if we are up 2-1.

Offense really pressed tonight.
I think we should be giving Dobbs, Stairs, and Jenkins starts against RHP. Can bring in Werth and Burrell against Brewers bullpen, and Felix for late inning defense.

[king myno]

Dobbs for Feliz in the 8th - for a team that has brought in its closer in a 4-5 run game, citing the "unpredictability" of a lead at CBP, you think he'd be just as interested in building a better lead/moving Bruntlett to 3rd and putting Jenkins or Werth (decent and good fielders) in LF.

[NEPP]

So you want Dobbs Stairs AND Jenkins in the linup....huh????

[curt]

Terrible lineup, as usual.

Cholly overmanaged in the 9th of course.

Bats went silent, and many awful ABs -- Burrell, Jimmy, Werth (4 times).

Hamels and a bad Brewer defense isn't a formula for many more wins.

Matchup tomorrow couldn't be worse -- the best lefty around against our putrid righties.

[NEPP]

Stairs and Jenkins should NEVER start at the same time in a playoff game.

[NEPP]

Hey we DID win...and its only been 15 years between playoff wins...that's a huge elephant off the teams back.

[Doohickey]

Lidge is one gut-wrenching s.o.b. to watch. I could swear I saw Joe Carter in the on-deck circle.

[Morty]

I thought Howard had a great approach at the plate today. The Brewers didn't want to give him anything to hit, and he did not force the issue, stayed calm.

[Andy]

"one gut-wrenching s.o.b. to watch"

All closers are. Find a tape of 1980. Watch McGraw. Even knowing they're gonna win, your skin will crawl, your stomach will churn, your palms will sweat and your knees will bounce up and down like a jack-hammer. And all the while you'll keep saying, "C'mon, c'mon...c'mon!"

[NEPP]

So how much does Howard make in arbitration this season if it goes to that? $15 million?

[GoPhilsGo]

Terrible lineup as usual?
If the Phils had put in their good lineup, they might have won the game...Oh, wait...

[Andy]

Dunno bout anyone else. I'm kinda stickin for LAD here.

[Andy]

GPG - Phils have proven, this year, that a blind, drunken ape with a set of darts can pick out an effective line up if the players perform.

[Andy]

Here's Manny's chance to be Senor October. I bet he Ks.

[Sophist]

NEPP - More.

Someone wants Jenkins, Stairs, and Dobbs to all start tomorrow? Wow.

[Andy]

Yeah. Ethier is French for idiot, right? Instead of getting an RBI by taking a pitch he swung at ball four.

Don't really care, of course.

[NEPP]

You really think more Sophist? I figure he'll probably ask for 18 and the Phillies will counter with 14-15 and hopefully win based off his horrible start and shaky defense...though if he has another MVP trophy sitting there on the mantle it'll be tough to beat him. Maybe they should try to lock him up eh?

[GoPhilsGo]

Andy, that may be true, but for at least the first game of the playoffs, you should play the guys that brung ya.

Jenkins, Stairs, and Dobbs? Huh?

[Sophist]

NEPP - I guess it is hard to make a guess since it depends completely on the competing offers.

[NEPP]

OF course if he has a WS MVP trophy up there next to it they should pay him whatever he wants.

[AWH the RBP]

I have noticed no trolls here today. Refreshing.

Just to satisfy my curiousity, I just went over to Metsblog to see what was up.

I saw this item, which seems to indicate that the Mets pitching depth is going to get thinner:

"Mets RHP Ambiorix Burgos was allegedly involved in a hit and run in the Dominican Republic, which resulted in the death of two women.

The Mets later released the following statement, which read:

“We are extremely disturbed by the reports regarding the player’s potential involvement in the hit and run accident that unfortunately killed two women in the Dominican Republic. We take this matter very seriously and have begun an internal investigation to ascertain the facts. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of the victims.”

In early September, Burgos was arrested for beating up his girlfriend at a hotel near Shea Stadium."

[GM-Carson]

Wow, what a game. Lidge should have never been in there, it was Cole's game to finish. He had less than 100 pitches, why pull him?

Werth was horrible today. He's our main man tomorrow against CC though, so I'm not gonna sweat him too much.

Phils hitters need to calm down and have better at bats though, because aside from a few sparse good at bats today it was rather ugly.

By the way, Jim mentioned sparking up some Smashing Pumpkins cd's. I suggest Siamese Dream, one the greatest rock albums of my generation.

[Collin]

Are all of these games going to be as nerve-wrecking as this? My god, hand me the Pepto.

[NEPP]

Not that it makes a difference but Cole was at 101 pitches...not less than 100. He should have stayed in.

Werth just looked nervous.

On SP: Siamese Dream is an excellent album.

[timr]

A win is a win. There's no right answer to the question Cole was asked.

Plus, if today's start is any indication of what a fresh, well-rested Cole can do for you in the playoffs, then I'm fine with him resting in the ninth.

[Indiana Sarge]

Wow, just got back from the game! Awesome! Cole was terrific, pretty damn near untouchable and really wanted to see him in the 9th. The Brewers just couldn't, COULD NOT, hit his changeup. It seemed like every swing and miss I looked up at the scoreboard and it came up changeup. He was awesome and the big-time pitcher talk can be put to rest.

Fans were great today, besides the ones who went running when a few drops of rain fell from the sky. Officer Richard Bowes threw out the first pitch (along with Mitch Williams, who purposely, overthrew Lou Marson, pretty funny), and recieved the loudest standing ovation I have ever seen. It was really special.

As for tomorrow, Werth has to show up (as well as Burrell) as the RH bat that could change the game for us. Beating C.C. is a daunting task, but I'm quietly optimistic we might get to him a little. I think your going to see a much looser team now tomorrow since they got the playoff win monkey off their back.

[Indiana Sarge]

Wow, James Loney GS. 4-2 LA.

[GoPhilsGo]

I'm surprised Lou left Dempster in that long.

[AWH the RBP]

Loney is a player. Pinella left Dempster in too long.

I once offered a hyothetical trade last offseason of Howard for Loney and Billingsley.

I'm not sure LA would do it, and I love Ryno, but on a certain level it ameks sense.

[AWH the RBP]

damn fingers.

[doubleh]

Awesome game today--fans were great. Only one Brewer fan in my section and he was harassed quite a bit, but in a pretty good natured way. Everyone booed the Miller Lite guy whenever he showed up, which was pretty funny. In stark contrast to last year, Coors made a killing today, I assume.

Sarge: I'm one of those fans who had to go running for shelter, but I have a 2-year old who didn't like getting soaked. He was pretty frightened at this game because of all the fireworks and such. But believe me, we stayed as close to the action as possible.

[Indiana Sarge]

HH: Of course, under those circumstances, I would do the same. I had these two 20 year old dudes in my section though, that once it got cloudy, they said to each other looks like rain, and left for the concourse. I didn't see them the rest of the game. I sure hope they didn't stay in the concourse all game, b/c they missed a hell of a performance.

And very cool that your 2-year old witnessed the Phils first playoff win in 15 years. Lucky son of gun, why the heck wasn't I born two years ago? I wouldn't of had to deal with 15 years of frustration!

[phillieanthropist]

Just got back from the game (lots of traffic to central Jersey) and the bottom line is we need ten more W's, now having gotten number one out of the way.

It's hard to nitpick the win, but here are a few thoughts:

- Rollins is so selfish and undisciplined. I don't know that I'd have bunted him there in the third, as they were saying on the radio, but I'd hope he'd take more than a pitch with Gallardo on the ropes. Had Chase not come through, Rollins would have been in for it

- Cole had 102 pitches after eight. Probably right around that mark where the "minds" start thinking of pulling him. I'd have left him in, but I don't think it's worth second-guessing not doing it. Lidge came in with the game in his situation; that is, a save situation.

- Bringing Lidge in may also have been to help him get the matzah ball out of the way. Big spot in postseason, and no matter how sketchy he made it, the Pujolz shot is suddenly in the rearview and not hanging on the rearview like a pair of dice.

Overall it was a good crowd and great to get the first win of the postseason.

Go Phillies...

[doubleh]

Sarge: Of course, he also got to witness the 2 losses last year as well, so...good thing he was only 1 at the time.

But the fact that he's now seen as many postseason games in the past few years as I've seen in my lifetime is sort of cool...and yet sad for me.

[Unikruk]

So, despite Mitchie-Poo's opinion, do we think Lidge is available for tomorrow after 30+ pitches today?

[George S]

CM gets away with bad managing again. If you are managing a computer baseball game, Brad Lidge was the right call for the 9th. But if you have been watching lately, it's been Russian Roulette every time out. Great defensive plays and having 2-3 run leads to protect have gotten him through recently.
Hamels, on the other hand, was unhittable today, and he was not laboring out there at all. He was so on his game that the only fielders that needed to wear gloves were him and Ruiz.
Lidge threw a lot of pitches today and very well could be needed tomorrow.
I just don't get that 'rote' decision-making idea of 9th inning save situation, automatic closer call if he's available.

The Brewers carry an extra LH reliever just to counteract the Phillies' top 2 HR and RBI men both being LH and batting back-to-back in the order. CM, hint, hint.

If Burrell's back is tight he should not be in there. Not only can he not go out and get an outside pitch, but you are just waiting for a flyball with men on that he won't reach in a critical situation. Put Jenkins/Stairs in there and move Werth to LF.

Who will pitch tomorrow, Brett Jeykll or Brett Hyde??

[loctastic]

yes lidge is available tomorrow. it's the playoffs. and they have a day off friday.

i can't believe there were 56 comments and no references to Randall Simon coming out to smack one of the 'sausages' down during their race. classic.

traffic going into the game was the worst i've ever seen, if anyone is going tomorrow, take mass transit.

did anyone else want to wring j-roll's neck with the two-pitch popup, before utley's double? come on guys, try and scrap out a run. i know it didn't matter in the end, but that stuff bothers me.

[Indiana Sarge]

locastic: Lol, yes, the Simon bit was very funny. Dan Baker's use of words cracked me up. "And oh no, it's the sausage slayer, Randall Simon!"

[Jack]

Lidge is available tomorrow. In the playoffs, everyone is available every day except for yesterday's pitcher (although even Randy Johnson did that in Game 7 of the WS against the Yankees in 2001).

[Sophist]

Yep, the question isn't whether he's available but whether he'll be effective.

The Dodgers are beating up on the Cubs pitching a bit.

[Sophist]

And I don't mean to imply by stating it that I'd answer that question in the negative.

[Ribbies]

I was at the game today and had a great time. I'm kinda surprised to see all the criticism on BL, but I guess I understand it. We certainly could have used more offense (duh), but Cole was great and that wins in October. It was just great to be around a post-season win. Tomorrow is probably a loss, but I have no doubt we'll take this series.

[The Truth Injection]

Had Manuel left Cole in and we lose the lead he'd be getting roasted by the same people who are roasting him for pulling Cole.

102 pitches is a lot for a guy we might need in Game 4. He was great. Lidge was perfect this year, including a few roller-coaster outings.

Making the right move doesn't go away if it turns out badly. The right move is still the right move.

Lidge may not be available tomorrow but hopefully Myers can go into the 7th, and we can use Durbin/Eyre/Madson/Romero to get us through. Then we rest a day and Lidge would be ready for Game 3.

It wasn't perfect today but it was a win that they needed. Give them credit for that.

[doubleh]

Are people still wishing the Phillies had drawn the Dodgers in the first round instead of the Brewers?

The Cubs look spooked.

[Kutztown fan]

Brad Lidge is trying to kill me. No wonder I have acid reflux.

I'm going to the game tomorrow. Let's hope Sabathia is a mediocre as he was in the playoffs last year.

[joe l]

Still waiting for a Stockton "First down" call from the booth.

[EastFallowfield]

After watching the Cubs lose their opener badly, and watching us get swept last year, I'd say today's game was one of the best games I've ever seen.

[Sophist]

Brewers are .269/.348/.458 against LHP this year. Hamels is an exception to this due to his reverse split, but this worries me for Moyer's start. He is a different sort of pitcher himself, however. Game 3 will likely be crucial unless Myers shuts them down tomorrow, which he's totally capable of doing as he showed just a few weeks ago on short rest.

Some may think throwing Myers against CC is a white flag, but he matches up against this team much better than Moyer.

[mike cunningham]

I still have to go back and read the thread, and I don't want to rehash most of it here, but that was a hell of a game...

To Mr. Hamels, you were absolutely amazing today. If you need anyone to take care of your grass clippings, please email me by click above.

Re: Feliz batting with 1st and 3rd and 2 outs. "Sveum is bringing in the rightie, he must think this is the playoffs or something. Well, Mr. Sveum, Cholly has an answer. Mr. Greg Dobbs." I was scouring the dugout for Dobbs, when Mota was on his way out. Nothing. Finally, about 3 warmups in, Dobbs sideburns came out of the back. Probably working in the cage or the T. I saw him reached for a bat. "Alright, he's bringing in Dobbs" He looked at it... and found a good one, perhaps it was Wonderboy? He turned to the steps, without his helmet and held the bat in his hands. Dan Baker, announces, "Now batting for the Phillies, Pedro Feliz." "wha?? What is he doing?" The guy next to me said maybe Feliz has good numbers? Low and behold, Feliz was hitting .333 with 2 HR. So maybe the gut was right. Broken bat pop-up. Grrr.

Aside, Who's fatter? Tony Gwynn or Randall Simon. Simon was HUGE today. I LOVE that they brought Simon back, wearing a phillies jersey with a Pirates hat! It was extremely politically correct, if ESPN cared about non Chicago, non Boston baseball, I imagine some talking head would be screaming at the top of his lungs about it.

Parking. I had a difficult time getting out of work in time to catch the subway so I drove. I got of at Packer avenue 12 minutes before first pitch. At this point the Packer/10th street parking lot was filling up quickly. By the time I got the gate, they started turning people away and shut the gate. Meanwhile in the lot people are scrambling to park illegally. I parked as far as way as I could, illegally as well near the Packer AV gate that the Phillies, NEVER... NEVER.... NEVER open to alleviate traffic on to 10th street. A police officer stopped and said we shouldn't park there because it was blocking a road. But he said, he wasn't going to tell us NOT to park there, because it was up to the Phillies. As expected they never opened up the lot, and it took a good 45 minutes to get out. I don't know whether it was the odd start time that caused more "single car drivers". Maybe it was the Flyers game that was causing the issue. Not sure, but it was a cluster-F. Don't remember this was an issue last year, of course, I took the subway both days.

Also, parking for most phillies lots were 12 bucks instead of 11. I wonder if Monty and company will look at the cash flow to day (which included 8 of my quarters in addition to my 10) and realize that they could GET more money by getting a team all the way to the WORLD SERIES! Tomorrow, I'll be on the BSL.

The phillies really should have mashed gallardo. He was wild and should have paid. Swinging first pitch is not being "selfish", it's being agressive, it's something Cholly preaches, attack the fast balls. The guys on the "radio",950 as I was waiting in the parking lot, were calling Jimmy out for being "SELFISH" for not bunting in the 3rd. Sacrifice bunts are called from the dugout. Bunts for singles are called by the player, often. Rollins wasn't being selfish, he was just playing Cholly-ball. He didn't execute.

The crowd was great today. The 9th was amazing, although, you could feel the nerves as the brew crew kept moving runners. I think had Burrell taken the first pitch in the 2nd, and it was a ball, we might have had a Burt Hooten situation, because the crowd was crazy during the Vic walk that inning.

another game tomorrow.

[diehard]

Was at the game today and it was awesome, but the worst part about the 3:00 start is that it's around 11 at night and I actually have a hangover from drinking earlier than usual.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I wouldn't mind seeing Man Ram in the Phils playoff lineup. Too bad his "defense" is bad.

[Vonderful]

Also at the game today and Indy Sarge was spot on. I for one, went nuts when Mitch came out. My favorite 93' Phillie.
God awful decision to not ph Dobbs for Feliz. Could have cost them this game.
It had really rained alot by the end of the game and the field had small puddles forming by the 9th. The field definitely was the reason for Uts wiping out and the infielders struggled with footing the whole game.

[J.R. King]

Re Parking:

If you must drive into town (if you're from the burbs, for instance), just park on the street at the corner of Broad Street and Ellsworth Ave for free and then ride the Broad Street line. I do it every game. The real beauty of this plan is coming home. You'll be on your way before most everyone else has even left the parking lot.

[Bob]

On Cholly's post game interview he was asked about Lidge's roller coaster outings. His answer was to the effect that he sometimes does get concerned, but that often Lidge has a couple of those crazy, nerve-churning innings in a row, but then turns around and has a couple of his "lights out" saves in a row.

That got me wondering. Is there any pattern as to whether the nasty Lidge or the ulcer enabling Lidge will show up? There must be some way to predict this and whether it relates to pitch count in previous games, how many days he's pitched in a row or had a night off, whatever. With all the stats out there, I'm surprised Sophist hasn't nailed down a way to definitively tell which Lidge is likely to appear.

Also, is it just me, or does it seem to anyone else that players are learning to lay off those low sliders of Lidge's more now? Seems like a lot of them bounce in the dirt, and that a patient, good hitter who isn't overanxious can now eventually get a decent pitch to hit from him.

Hey, the guy is perfect so far, but these last two outings of his... I'm a non-smoker, but the guy who said he and his dad called him "Two pack Lidge". I get it.

BTW, I thought Cole did a pretty good job of answering the no win "Did you want to come out in the 9th?" question. Don't know if he was being honest or being diplomatic, but he gave a nice boost to Lidge, saying, I trust him and wanted him to save one for me, and he wanted to nail down a win for me.

I think Cole put some questions to rest today, hopefully for good. I also thought it might be bad for Lidge to get over the playoff close hurdle with a three run lead rather than come in a couple of days from now in a one run situation. But I'm not sure whether today will calm him down or make him more antsy.

[Sophist]

Bob - This weekend I can take a look at Lidge's gamelogs. Someone else can try to jump on this before me otherwise. I have been meaning to look at the quality of Lidge's saves.

[AWH the RBP]

hh, I don't think the Cubs looked "spooked". Rather, I think they ran into a very good pitcher with playoff experience.

Couple that with weight of the pressure the players must be feeling from fandom in Chicago, where they haven't won the
WS in 100 yrs, where they talk of Billy goat curses and Bartman, where they didn't even make the playoffs for 39 straight years from 1945 to 1983, where they haven't been to the WS SINCE just after VJ Day, and I think it may be a recipe for disaster.

Every AB, every pitch they throw carries the weight of that and the expectations that this team will be the ones to break the streak.

Now, I understand some players will say that they're completely unaffected by that stuff, that it's part of a past that doesn't include them, but I don't believe that. It has to affect them somewhat.

As evidence I only need to point to the postgame interviews with some of the Phillies. More than one felt relieved that they had gotten their first playoff win, and the monkey off their backs. They'll relax even more now.

Tonight the Cubbies probably have the tightest sphincters in the Western Hemisphere.

And to that I say:

Thank God for Cole Hamels!

[bay_area_phan]

Taped the game and just got done watching it. If I'd been around while it was going on, this board would no doubt have been filled with my negative comments because there was literally only one thing to like about the Phillies' performance tonight and that was Hamels. Against a wild and ineffective starter, and a bunch of hacks from the Brewers' bullpen, our offense was shockingly horrible. And I'm getting pretty sick of Brad Lidge's Mitch Williams imitation. When did Lidge suddenly lose the ability to throw strikes? He can't keep doing this. It is 100% certain to catch up to him at the worst possible time, just as it did with Williams.

Oh well. Happy for the win, even if the overall performance looked eerily similar to last year's Rockies series. The good news is that, unlike years past, this year's Phillies have the starting pitching to ovecome these types of hapless offensive efforts & enjoy some success in the playoffs -- if the good Brett Myers shows up, that is.

[Bob]

Sophist,

Sounds good, I'll be watching for it if you find the time. You might want to do the Phils a favor by forwarding your post to Cholly and Dubee.

[J.R. King]

BAP:

I hear you about the Phils' effort. But look at it this way: Now with the monkey off their backs, the bats can go out and have fun. Even against Sabathia, the Phils hit when they're loose.

[Ben Keeler]

We won the game and bringing in Lidge was the right thing to do. It was important for him to get a playoff save. Hamels is gonna have to start again and lets keep him fresh so he can pitch like today.

I have a feeling we will get to Sabathia tomorrow. I have no feeling on which Myers will show up, though I did agree with him starting Game 2 and Moyer for Game 3.

[denny b.]

If the Brewers lose on Friday, I would look for ownership to fire Sveum and replace him with Bob Uecker.

Hey, firing the manager worked out well last time, things didn't go well in Philly.

[Mike]

doubleh: Don't tell anyone, but Miller owns Coors now. I guess Budweiser should be the one making a killing at the games.

[GM-Carson]

For those that care, Shane Victorino has a playoff blog via Phillies.com. Worth a quick read.

I have a good feeling about tonight's game. I think Myers will pitch well, and I think the Phils will eek out enough runs to beat the Beer Makers and CC.

[UserFPC]

Great game. My heart must be okay: I survived both the walk to the top of the stadium AND the ninth inning.

Best sign at the game yesterday: "David Wright had a tee time today."

[phargo]

Good Morning!

What a pleasure it is to see Carson optimistic!

I am, too.

Go Phils!

[phanatic's brother]

A Win is a Win. I will take it.

But, I am not so sure batting an injured Burrel behind Howard is such a good thing. We need the big guy to see pitches. Hopefully Burrel comes around and makes them pay. Otherwise what are the options?
Werth? Vic?

Also, I heard Lidge has given up a run in 4 of his last 5 games. Is that true?
O no, I just hope this is setting itself up to be what I think its setting itself up to be.

[from the district]

protection is a myth . . . Howard will not see pitches unless there are runners on ahead of him. This is what happened all year and it will continue to happen in the postseason. It was a great sign that Howard took 3 walks instead of swinging at balls. What we need are the guys to get on ahead of him.

[Tony D]

4 straight playoff games going back to last year that this offense has flat out sucked. Time to start hitting like they're capable of.

[AWH the RBP]

ftd, exactlty!

[Hugh Mulcahy]

Talk about winning by the skin of your teeth. I'd be apoplectic if it was utley who dropped that throw to first on the sacrifice. Burrell needs to have good at bats when Howard is walked. That double play grounder on a first pitch swing at a low outside pitch was awful. Hopefully, the jitters are gone and the hitters show up tonight.

[AWH the RBP]

My favorite quote about yesterday's game is from Scott Lauber on his blog:

"Cole Hamels was at his very best. He was so good, in fact, that the Brewers actually were happy to see Lidge come into the game."

(No comment necessary.)

[Lake Fred]

When I attended a Phillies game in Houston and Lidge came in for his first Houston appearance as a Phillie, the locals kept referring to him as "Load 'em Up Lidge" instead of "Lights Out Lidge."

I think that Lidge's big strike out pitch is that one that looks like a strike coming in but drops at the last minute into the dirt. If the batter swings, it's a swinging strike. If the batter leaves the bat on his shoulder, it's a low ball in the dirt. That's why he's effective and nerve wracking at the same time.

[Jim F]

phanatic's brother: Lidge has not given up a run in 4 of his last 5 games. In fact, he only gave up 1 run in Sept and had a 0.71 ERA for the month. That said, I will be concerned until he has a 1-2-3 save. Hopefully that will come tonight.

Also, feel free to keep buying Coors products. Miller does not own Coors. They have a 50-50 joint venture in the US, with Coors still having their headquarters in Denver. In addition, Miller is owned by a South African company, SABMiller, which is listed in the UK. Miller's still based in Milwaukee, so feel free to continue to boycott their beer.

[control13]

You'll be able to tell very quickly tonight whether Myers has it or not. I was going to say if he looks shaky, I'd keep him on a real short leash. But if we get into our Pen real early, that's not good either. Is Blanton getting a start in this series? I guess he is if it goes 4 games.