Skip to main content

Phillies Advance to Third Straight NLCS


The series that pitted the widely feared trio of Phillies starting pitchers against the National League's top offensive lineup, the Cincinnati Reds, ended in quick fashion. The pitchers, who had posted a 13-1 record with a 2.13 ERA since the start of September came out and shut down the offense that led the league in batting average (.272), homeruns (188) and RBI (761) over the full regular season.

On Sunday night, Cole Hamels threw an impressive 5-hit complete game shut out, in which he struck out 9 Reds, leading the Phillies to a sweep in the best-of-five divisional round of the MLB playoffs, in Cincinnati.

Hamels improved to 7-0 with a 0.90 ERA in 8 career starts against the Reds.

After the series clincher that locked Philadelphia into their franchise record third consecutive National League Championship Series, the Phillies had a bit of a reserved celebration. There were no dog piles on the field, only some tame champagne spraying in the clubhouse, as the Phillies are aware there are still more steps to climb until they reach their goal, which is, of course, the World Championship.

"This moment here is just another stepping stone to trying to win another World Series," Hamels told the media after his masterful effort. The Phillies won the World Series in 2008, led by Hamels, who was named series Most Valuable Player.

Phillies ace Roy Halladay, who threw the second no-hitter in MLB postseason history in the series opener stated, "For everybody here, the ultimate goal is to get to the World Series. This is the first step. We’re all looking to get to the end."

The Reds were held to all-time division series lows with a .124 batting average and a .160 on-base percentage in the 3 games. The Reds managed just 11 hits against Phillies pitchers in the NLDS. Cincinnati, also regarded as an excellent defensive team, made a stunning 7 errors in the series against the Phillies.

The Phillies won the deciding game 2-0 and got a key run on a solo homer from Chase Utley in the 5th inning. Philadelphia's other run came in the opening frame when Placido Polanco scored when Reds shortstop Orlando Cabrera commited a throwing error on a grounder hit by Jayson Werth. The series win for the Phillies marks their first ever sweep in the postseason.

Philadelphia will host either the Atlanta Braves or the San Francsico Giants in a best-of-seven series beginning Saturday. The Giants defeated the Braves 3-2 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five divisional series.

_____________________________________________________________

Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.