looked like the game was going to the Rockies, especially after a huge 8th inning rally where Dexter Fowler leaped over Chase Utley (I give him a 8.5 for the jump, but a 3 for the awkward slide afterward). But the Phillies are never out of it (I was there in July with Joe Biden when they came back from 4 runs down in the 9th to beat Pittsburgh) and they proved once again to be a resilient team with a great combination of fortitude and talent. Brad Lidge still doesn't inspire any confidence, but he got the job done again for his second save. Biggest mistake of the game, in my opinion, was the Rockies not bringing in lefty Joe Beimel against Ryan Howard in the 9th inning. I know that Huston Street is the closer, but isn't that why you have a lefty specialist? Charlie Manuel brought in Ryan Madson when he needed him in Game 3 (the 7th). You're best reliever should be used in your tightest spots. But if you have a specialist in your bullpen, use him! Cliff Lee, who had never pitched in a playoff game before last week, was dominant again. As was Ubaldo Jiminez. But the problems for both teams occurred once the bullpens were used. The Phillies move on to face the Dodgers (again) as they look to continue their title defense.Side note: The picture to the right is from Yahoo! Sports. Shane Victor-ino may be one of the best sports names. Also a pretty darn good baseball player. But the best part of him is that he seems to be having a lot of fun out there no matter what the circumstances.
Coming up:
- Phillies @ Dodgers starts Thursday. First preview here.
- Angels @ Yankees starts Friday. First preview here.
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