Game 1: Second inning

Had a early-game browser change on the old (literally) laptop a few seconds ago. A few bugs and kinks in Firefox and Opera led to some research and now I’m running Flock. We’ll see how it goes.

In the meantime the first dramatic play of the series occurred in the top of the second when Clint Barmes skied out to Jayson Werth in right and catcher Yorvit Torrealba was thrown out on a three-hopper at third trying to tag from second. Replays showed that Torrealba was safe, and that the decoy on the cut off by Jimmy Rollins was pretty solid, so mark that one down for the Werth and the Phillies.

To follow it up, Werth laced a one-out single to left for the Phillies’ first hit.

But that didn’t lead to anything. A handful of pitches after the hit, Ubaldo Jimenez got Raul Ibanez to ground into an inning-ending double play. He also struck out Ryan Howard on and 80-mph curve that was set up with fastballs ranging from 97 to 99.

That’s not fair, is it?

End of 2: Rockies 0, Phillies 0

Game 1: First Inning

PA announcer Dan Baker just told everyone to stand up and wave their white rally towels because the game was about to go live on TV. Nothing like some manufactured enthusiasm to get these playoffs started. Apparently the fans in Philadelphia need help to know when to cheer.

They let out a loud one when Charlie Manuel was introduced before the game. The Phillies also introduced their players in reverse order, perhaps to feed Jimmy Rollins’ ego?

But we got a look at how much the wind is going to be a factor in the opener when Cliff Lee’s first pitch of the game was lifted harmlessly to right field but it sent Jayson Werth nearly to the warning track.

Nasty.

Nevertheless, Cliff Lee’s playoff debut got off to a strong start with a scoreless first. He also fired first-pitch strikes to the first three hitters he faced, so that was a good thing.

Speaking of Cliff Lee, if you read one story about the Phils’ starter, make sure it is the one Martin Frank wrote for the Wilmington News Journal. It’s an excellent read.

The difference in the first inning for the Phillies was that they went down in order while the Rockies managed to get a pair of hits. Moreover, Ubaldo Jimenez hit 100 on the stadium radar gun, which probably is not wind aided.

Watch Jimenez. He’s going to be really good.

Game 1: Cold wind and snow

Just got word on a rather ominous weather report for this weekend in Denver. Apparently, Game 3 very well could be snowed out, which would push the series back a whole day and eliminate the travel day back to Philadelphia if a Game 5 is needed. It also means the Phillies could get by with just a three-man pitching rotation and perhaps could throw three lefties at the Rockies in Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ.

But before we all go changing our flight schedules and get caught making snow angels in Denver, let it be known that predicting the weather in Colorado is a fool’s game. Sure, some folks are calling for a big snowstorm this weekend, but others, like the most-reputable Accuweather have nighttime snow showers and cold, cold temperatures for Saturday.

In other words, not Pedro weather.

Besides, there is no sense predicting the weather in Colorado. I remember a time a few years ago when my wife and I went for a drive in the mountains in which we passed through patterns ranging from 85-degrees and sunshine to sleet and hail and snow all within 30 minutes.

So it might snow in Denver this weekend, but then again, it might not snow that badly. Either way, it’s going to much colder than folks are used to in early October. Better yet, it won’t be baseball weather—that’s for sure.

I’m not sure if we’re getting ready for baseball weather here in Philadelphia, either. It’s damn near gale force winds pushing straight out to right field here at the Bank. In fact, the flags are standing straight up with clichéd waves as if direct from a movie set.

However, Phils’ right fielder Raul Ibanez reported that he did not have any difficulty tracking fly balls during batting practice. From this vantage point, the wind does not appear to be swirling. It’s just headed straight out to right field.

If someone like Ryan Howard gets ahold of one and puts it in that air pocket, it might crash down in Fishtown.

Game 1: Day games, lineups and the Bay Area

OK, is everybody ready? Does everyone all set up to watch the midday playoff ballgame? Apparently the start time for Wednesday’s opener of the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies was a source of contention because people have jobs and things like that. What, it isn’t cool to watch baseball at work? If not, that’s just silly unless the worker is going to perform surgery or something. Then no, that guy should not be watching ball.

Nevertheless, I am a bit confused. After all, we always hear about how they don’t play enough day games during the playoffs and kids can’t stay up to watch. But then when they play a day game everyone complains about it because they have to go to work.

Which is it, dude?

From my point of view, the day game is great. These things tend to run a bit long as it is and we need all the time we can get to do some writing and that kind of crap. However, it seems as if Phillies’ pitcher Cole Hamels is not a big fan of the day games in the NLDS. In fact, he complained about it before the game during his formal MLB sanctioned press conference complete with microphones, hot lights and satellite feeds.

Using his “Who are you?” voice direct from that commercial that runs in a veritable loop on the TV, Hamels said: “I understand TV ratings, but I think at the end of the day, most players would rather play when they’re both comfortable and that’s kind of what we’ve trained at—either 1 o’clock or 7 o’clock, and I think it’s more fair for us than the TV ratings, because truly, I don’t think we mind as much for TV ratings.”

Wait… what?

“We can understand that people want to watch it on TV, but I don’t know too many people that are going to be watching this game at 11 on the west coast.”

Oh… in other words, Hamels is ready for his start in Game 2 on Thursday afternoon.

Here are the lineups for Game 1 Phillies 11 – Rollins, ss 8 – Victorino, cf 26 – Utley, 2b 6 – Howard, 1b 28 – Werth, rf 29 – Ibanez, rf 7 – Pedro Feliz, 3b 51 – Ruiz, c 34 – Lee, p

Rockies 24 – Fowler, cf 5 – Gonzalez, lf 17 – Helton, 1b 2 – Tulowitzki, ss 27 – Atkins, 3b 8 – Torrealba, c 11 – Hawpe, rf 12 – Barmes, 2b 38 – Jimenez, p

The key to the Rockies’ lineup is shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Jimmy Rollins, Tulowitzki’s counterpart on the Phillies, talked about the third-year star on Tuesday afternoon and marveled at the kid’s defensive prowess and throwing arm. Plus, Tulowitzki belted 32 home runs in 2009.

Though Rollins didn’t put Tulowitzki at the top of the list for young shortstops coming up in the game, he gave the most credence because like Rollins, the Rockies’ shortstop is from the Bay Area.

That’s when Rollins went on to list all the top ballplayers from his area of the country, such as Barry Bonds, Frank Robinson, Dontrelle Willis, Pat Burrell, Tom Brady, etc., etc. Of course Rollins’ favorite is Willie Stargell, the fellow Encinal High grad whose name was on the high school field Rollins and Willis played on.

“I thought one day they might name the field after me, but nope, it already has Pops’ name on it,” Rollins said.

Game 1: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

Brad Lidge wasn’t messing around tonight. That wasn’t the case in Game 1 of the NLDS where the closer needed 35 pitches to barely hang on to a three-run lead against the Brewers. But closers like Brad Lidge are Machiavellian. As long as they get three outs with the lead intact, it was a good night. In that case, Lidge hasn’t had a bad night all season. After 41 straight saves during the regular season and three more here in the playoffs, Lidge is a sure thing.

Lidge got through it perfectly in the ninth to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the series over the Dodgers on Thursday night, though he did give the fans a bit of a start when the first two outs nearly traveled to the warning track in center.

But again, the end justifies the means.

With that, the Phillies and their homer-heavy offense will go for two in a row on Friday afternoon.

Then we go to LA.

Game 1: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

Eighth inning: Mad dog to the rescue

An interesting situation came up with one out at the top of the eighth. After throwing a diving changeup to strikeout Andre Ethier, Charlie Manuel bolted from the dugout to have a discussion with Ryan Madson about the next hitter. Whatever Charlie told Madson was right on the money because it only took one pitch for him to get Manny Ramirez to line out when one swing could have tied the game.

Instead, Madson handed the ball over to closer Brad Lidge with at least a one-run lead for the ninth.

On another note, I had planned on writing about Madson since the last day in Milwaukee, but for some reason I sensed that he would pitch tonight and saved it. Guess what? I’m going to write about Madson tonight. Why not? The guy has been lights out down the stretch with an 0.64 ERA in 13 games and 14 innings. During that span, the lanky righty has held opponents to a .222 batting average, issued just one walk and whiffed 17.

Better yet, after sitting out with injuries for much of the second half last year, Madson has thrived in his first taste of playoff action.

More on Madson later tonight.

End of 8: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

Seventh inning: To the 'pens

I’m not a betting man (that’s not true), but if forced to make a choice, I’d say Cole Hamels just pitched his last inning. The good thing about that for the lefty was that he is in position to win his second straight playoff game after retiring the side in order with a pair of strikeouts and a ground ball. Due to hit second in the inning, Charlie Manuel often likes to take his pitchers out feeling good about their performance. For Hamels, it would be difficult not to feel good about this one – even though his curve wasn’t there and he got into an early hole, all he has to do is sit back and watch the bullpen nail it down for him.

That’s nice work if you can get it.

Ryan Madson was warming up quickly for the eighth when Manuel sent So Taguchi to hit for Hamels with Carlos Ruiz on first (a single) and no outs.

Hamels’ line:

7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 8 K – 105 pitches, 69 strikes.

Here’s one: Greg Maddux came on in relief in the eighth. It was the second time this post-season that Maddux pitched out of the ‘pen and fourth time dating back to 1999. Meanwhile, Maddux has not pitched in relief during the regular season since 1987.

End of 7: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

Fifth inning: Fernando!

Here’s one for you: The great Fernando Valenzuela is here at the park doing the commentary for the Dodgers’ Spanish language radio broadcast. I know this because Mike Radano came running over a few innings ago screaming, “You know how they say there are so many celebrities at games at Dodger Stadium? Yeah well, guess what? I just took a leak next to Fernando Valenzuela!”

Sometimes it’s a who’s-who of baseball greats in the men’s press box restroom. Besides, it’s good to know that even ex-baseball greats have to answer nature’s call, too.

Anyway, Phillies fans know all about Fernando Valenzuela. In 1981 the Phillies were the first team to beat him and derail “Fernando-mania!” Fernando also pitched against the Phillies in ’83 NLCS and was the only Dodger to win a game that series.

Better yet, Fernando pitched eight games for the Phillies during the strike-shortened ’94 season. In fact, I remember going to a game at The Vet with my old pal Ben Miller where we saw Fernando’s first game with the hometown team. In his first at-bat he clubbed a double.

I also remember Darren Daulton breaking his collarbone when he got nailed by a foul ball. As soon as it occurred you knew something bad happened because the noise from Daulton’s broken bone sounded like a gun shot.

Anyway, Cole Hamels faced four hitters in the fifth and notched a pair of strikeouts. So far Hamels has thrown 84 pitches with six strikeouts.

How much longer can Hamels go?

Derek Lowe continued to deal in the fifth, recording his 10th and 11th outs on ground balls before Carlos Ruiz and Hamels knocked out back-to-back singles. As a result, the Phillies got their first runner in scoring position.

It stayed there, though, when Jimmy Rollins flied out to left to end the inning.

End of 5: Dodgers 2, Phillies 0

Fourth inning: Dealing or slumping?

Don’t look now, but it appears as if a pitching duel has broken out. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. The old cliché is that playoff baseball is all about pitching and defense is transcends mere cliché-dom. It’s rock hard fact.

Be that as it is, the Phillies are going to have to break out the bats soon. Maybe sooner than soon. That’s because the Dodgers posted another run during the top of the fourth when Cole Hamels sawed off Matt Kemp on the first pitch of the frame only to have him fight it off for a ground-rule double.

Kemp moved to third on a ground out and came around to score when Blake Dewitt popped a sacrifice fly to deep center. Interestingly, Hamels threw a pitch high in the strike zone to Dewitt, which made it much easier for him to hit a fly ball.

Hamels is not at his sharpest tonight. His change is good, but he doesn’t seem to have a handle on his curve or the best command on his fastball.

Lowe, on the other hand, is locked in. He got Chase Utley for his first strikeout, forced Ryan Howard to hit a soft grounder to second for another out, and then whiffed Pat Burrell to end the inning.

The Phillies look as if they left the offense in Milwaukee.

End of 4: Dodgers 2, Phillies 0

Third inning: Change of pace

The second time around the lineup for Cole Hamels looked much sharper. Perhaps showcasing his fastball during the first inning was part of his ploy to spring the change up on them later. Hamels fooled Rafael Furcal into some bad swings before he grounded out for the first out, then looked to have another ground out on Andre Ethier, but Ryan Howard muffed it at first even though it was (wrongly) ruled a hit.

Certainly, Jimmy Rollins will let Howard know that he has to make those plays.

Manny Ramirez was fooled by a few off-speed pitches, too, before he popped out to short. Actually, it was kind of odd seeing Ramirez make an out because he looks so locked in at the plate.

Hamels is going to need some help from the bats, though. Derek Lowe was one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball during September with a 3-0 record and 0.59 ERA in five starts. Perhaps the best tact for Lowe was taking him down like the way Shane Victorino did on a close play at first to end the inning.

Dodgers are out-hitting the Phils, 3-2.

End of 3: Dodgers 1, Phillies 0

Second inning: Settling in

The time between the innings is a little longer during this series as compared to the rest of the year. The reason, of course, is that Fox needs a few more ticks to sell some stuff and show those commercials. Commerce, man. Commerce.

Longer inning or not, Cole Hamels settled in and breezed through the second inning on just X pitches. He whiffed both Casey Blake and Derek Lowe for his first clean frame and third strikeout.

Whatever jitters Hamels had in the first were worked out in the second.

On another note, I was on the Mike Gill Show this afternoon where the host, Mike Gill, made an interesting point. I said the difference in this series could very well come down to the ability of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to produce against the Dodgers’ right-handed heavy pitching staff. To that, Mike said the Dodgers likely would take a similar tact as the Brewers in the NLDS and pitch around Howard, forcing Pat Burrell to the plate in some key situations.

You know what? That Mike Gill knows his stuff. If the Dodgers aren’t going to allow Howard to beat them, Burrell’s at-bats become that much more important.

But when Burrell led off the second with a single down the line to left, he was quickly erased when Jayson Werth grounded into a double play.

That’s a pretty good indicator that Derek Lowe’s patented sinker is working well.

End of 2: Dodgers 1, Phillies 0

Manny being Manny... or something like that

Big crowd here at the ballpark. All the seats are filled and they all stood and gave a rousing ovation to Charlie Manuel and the gang during the pre-game introductions. I’m sitting here in the press box in the third row near next to Gonzo, who I hope won’t get the urge to punch me in the face tonight.

Really though, who can blame him? Gonzo and Bowa seem to have a lot in common in that regard. Nevertheless, the press box and the ballpark are as packed as I have ever seen it. Chances are the attendance record could be set tonight.

Luckily, the fans got to see Garry Maddox and Gary Matthews, the MVP of the 1983 NLCS when the Phillies beat the Dodgers, throw the ceremonial first pitches.

Then it got really loud with the “BEAT LA!” chant.

From talking to a few of the LA and national writers, it seems as if their read on the series is similar to ours – both clubs are very even and could see it going either way.

However, they all seem to think the Manny vs. Boston World Series is destined to happen. I say don’t forget about Nomar… certainly he left Boston just as unceremoniously as Manny.

Of course Manny made his presence known early when he followed Andre Ethier’s one-out double with the longest RBI double in the history of the park. Ramirez bashed an 0-1 fastball high above the 409-foot sign in the deepest and highest part of center field off starter Cole Hamels.

Interestingly, Hamels’ first eight pitches were fastballs, including the one Manny nearly hit through the chain-link fence in deep center. It also appeared as if he threw a fastball to cross up catcher Carlos Ruiz on a passed ball with two outs.

Call it an auspicious first inning for Hamels. It could have been worse, but the lefty grinded it out.

Meanwhile, Dodgers’ hurler Derek Lowe got through the first inning on just 14 pitches, compared to 23 by Hamels. However, a significant occurrence of note for the Phillies that inning came when Chase Utley roped a single to center with two outs.

End of 1: Dodgers 1, Phillies 0

Pregame: Your town stinks

The Phillies seem pretty loose during batting practice, especially Jimmy Rollins who joked around with his former manager Larry Bowa as the Dodgers were preparing to take the field. Actually, watching Rollins and Bowa hobnob was kind of like that scene in the first Rocky movie where Sly watches Apollo Creed goof around with Joe Frazier in the ring before the big fight. Sly’s line was: “You think they know each other?”

Mickey just laughed.

Anyway, Bowa and Rollins DO know each other. Quite well, in fact. However, I suspect Rollins likes Bowa better now that he works for the Dodgers. That’s just a guess though. One thing I do know is that Bowa is as talkative as ever with me – I think I rub him the wrong way which is quite understandable. I mean think about it… a hardscrabble guy from Sacramento who had to fight and scrap for every little thing he ever achieved like Bowa and a goofy dude like me from Washington and Lancaster who makes wise cracks and writes sentences for a living.

Hell, now that I think about it, I don’t like me anymore.

Speaking of writers who need a little love, I just had the distinct pleasure of meeting TJ Simers of the LA Times. Simers, of course, is known for his deep love and affection for our fair city. That’s cool, I guess, if you’re into that whole your-city-sucks bit. After all, no one ever has trotted that stuff out before.

Nevertheless, my belief is that the your-favorite-town-stink jag is an older generation thing. At least it seems like it’s property of the folks older than me and beyond. The younger set seems to enjoy each and every city for what it is – a new place to check out and explore. Frankly, the more off the beaten path a place is the better. That’s part of the reason why I enjoyed Milwaukee so much… come on, it was Milwaukee.

When am I ever going to make it back to Milwaukee again?

So TJ Simers doesn’t like Philadelphia… whatever. Worse, the LA Times flew him all the way across the country to come here and write about how people from Philadelphia are angry. Gee, that’s money well spent.

Here’s the funny part, though – Simers wrote a column about the angry folks in Philadelphia and guess what? He got a pile of angry e-mails from people from Philadelphia.

Who saw that coming?

Anyway, introduction time here. My guess is Bowa gets big cheers…

But not bigger than Charlie Manuel.

Game 1 lineups

There e a lot of topics to discuss today so we’ll just start with the most important stuff with a spate of random posts until we get into the meat of things at game time. But first I suggest everyone click over to check out the new CSN web site. Looks pretty sharp, huh?

Here are the lineups for Game 1 of the NLCS:

Phillies 11 – Jimmy Rollins, ss 8 – Shane Victorino, cf 26 – Chase Utley, 2b 6 – Ryan Howard, 1b 5 – Pat Burrell, lf 28 – Jayson Werth, rf 7 – Pedro Feliz, 3b 51 – Carlos Ruiz, c 35 – Cole Hamels, p

Dodgers 15 – Rafael Furcal, ss 16 – Andre Ethier, rf 99 – Manny Ramirez, lf 55 – Russell Martin, c 7 – James Loney, 1b 27 – Matt Kemp, cf 30 – Casey Blake, 3b 33 – Blake Dewitt, 2b 23 – Derek Lowe, p

Game 1: Phillies 3, Brewers 1

I’m not sure, but I’d be willing to beat that Brad Lidge has moved past that game in Houston in the playoffs when Albert Pujols smacked that bomb deep into the night. Remember that one? Some say it was the reason why he struggled for a bit during his time with the Astros and led to his trade to the Phillies.

Either way, it appears to have worked out pretty well for both the Phillies and Lidge. After all, 41-for-41 in save opportunities is pretty darned good. Better yet, his 1.95 ERA is a tad inflated by a handful of rocky outings in non-save appearances.

Plus, Lidge nailed down the Game 1 victory with a six-hitter save where he notched three strikeouts on 35 pitches.

Heading into the game, Lidge threw at least 24 pitches in his last three save chances, which is a bit too high. In fact, the last time the closer had a 1-2-3 save was Sept. 18 in Atlanta. But since the closer is only working for one inning he doesn’t really have to be the model of efficiency.

He clearly took his time in Game 1 by going to deep counts against nearly everyone. Four hitters worked the count to 3-2 and Ryan Braun doubled down the line in right to help push across the Brewers only run, while J.J. Hardy walked with two outs.

In the end, though, it wasn’t enough.

Lidge is Machiavellian. The end justifies the means. He’ll get there at his own pace.

But is it OK to be worried that it’s taking a little too long?

Game 1: Phillies 3, Brewers 1

Eighth inning: Long time coming

Today’s attendance is the second-largest crowd in CBP history with an announced 45,929. The largest crowd was Game 2 of last year’s NLDS against the Rockies with 45,991. I bet the record falls tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the Phillies are three outs away from their first post-season victory since Game 5 of the 1993 World Series. That was the game where Curt Schilling tossed a three-hit shutout against the Blue Jays at the Vet.

I was there in the press box that day. In fact, I’ve been in the press box for the last eight Phillies’ playoff games in a row and 11 of the last 16.

I’m getting old.

Still, Cole Hamels is through eight innings with 101 pitches, two hits, one walk and nine strikeouts. If he’s going to top Schilling’s effort he’s gone to have to politick the hell out of manager Charlie Manuel because Brad Lidge is getting warmed up in the bullpen.

Whether Lidge or Hamels takes the mound in the ninth, they will face the top of the Brewers’ order.

On another note, both the Dow and the Nasdaq were down today. Hey, who needs to retire…

End of 8 Phillies 3, Brewers 0

Seventh inning: Sage advice

My goal after this game is to find out what Jamie Moyer was telling Cole Hamels during the bottom half of the sixth inning. While the Phillies were hitting, the elder and younger lefties were shown on TV deep in conversation in which Moyer appeared to be doing a lot of talking and Hamels was doing a lot of listening. Certainly it’s no secret that Hamels really, really looks up to Moyer. In fact, whenever he has a question about the game or certain situations, Moyer is the first person the kid seeks out. Better yet, Hamels often tells anyone who will listen that one of his goals in baseball is to have a career as long as Moyer’s.

Based on the way Hamels adheres to a holistic regimen and gets those regular chiropractic/A.R.T. treatments, he could do it.

Neither team got a hit or a base runner in the seventh. Worse for the Phillies, Carlos Villanueva struck out the side while Jayson Werth got a hat trick.

Through seven, Hamels has thrown 90 pitches. He’ll get one more inning before the Phillies turn it over to Brad Lidge

End of 7 Phillies 3, Brewers 0

Sixth inning: Is that a rally?

OK, has it gotten ridiculous yet? I mean really… come on. Hamels has allowed hits in back-to-back innings after Craig Counsell dropped one into center with one out. To top it off, free-swingin’ Mike Cameron drew a 3-0 count before drawing a five-pitch walk.

That’s two straight hitters on base in a row!

!!!

Hamels quickly put out the fire with his eighth strikeout of the game vs. Bill Hall before getting Ryan Braun to pop up to short. Still, the Brewers actually had a runner in scoring position.

Apropos of nothing, one of the TV dudes from Milwaukee actually cheered in the press box after Counsell’s single. C’mon… what is that?

On the other hand, it’s a good thing Hamels is dealin’ because the Phillies aren’t hittin’. Aside from that little uprising in the third, the Phillies have pounded out a lusty three hits. Had Mike Cameron been able to haul in Chase Utley’s double, the Phils would be in a precarious spot.

Instead, they might be cruising.

End of 6 Phillies 3, Brewers 0

Fifth inning: No no-no

Cole Hamels got into his first bit of trouble during the fifth inning… that is if you call a full count trouble. Based on the way Hamels has been pitching so far, yes, a 3-2 count is a veritable rally.

But Hamels quashed it when he got Prince Fielder to chase the 3-2 pitch. Then he got J.J. Hardy to bounce a 2-2 pitch to short. Corey Hart wasn’t going to wait for 3-2 though. Instead he punched one to right for a solid single, 13 outs away from the no-no.

To this day, Kevin Millwood’s no-hitter against the Giants at The Vet is the only one I have ever seen. Ever. That counts little league, minor leagues and everything all over the map.

Except for wiffle ball, but that doesn’t count.

Either way, Hamels has six strikeouts and no walks through five.

Yovani Garrardo was not around to see the fifth inning. Instead, Dale Sveum brought in side-arming lefty Mitch Stetter to face the Phillies’ lefties Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. When righty Pat Burrell came up, Sveum went for Carlos Villanueva.

I believe that is Spanish for “New Village.”

Garrardo’s line: 4 IP, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K – 75 pitches, 37 strikes.

End of 5 Phillies 3, Brewers 0

Fourth inning: Flat out dealin'

Don Larsen is the only pitcher in Major League history to throw a no-hitter during the post-season when he beat the Brooklyn Dodgers with a perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. I wonder if Larsen looked anything like the way Cole Hamels looks today?

Through four innings, the Brewers have gone 12 for 12 in making outs after Hamels cruised through the last frame with just eight pitches. Thirty of Hamels’ 44 pitches have been strikes.

Yovani Garrardo re-grouped after that rough third inning in which he allowed the Phillies to bat around. Jimmy Rollins laced a two-out single to right,

However, with 75 pitches under his belt, Garrardo’s remaining time is short. Manager Dale Sveum has reliever Carlos Villanueva tossing in the bullpen.

End of 4 Phillies 3, Brewers 0