The Phillies take the field this afternoon for the start of game 1 of the National League Division Series with the Milwaukee Brewers.Cole Hamels was spectacular for eight innings, giving up 2 hits and no runs and striking out nine. The Phillies scored all their runs (unearned) in the 3rd on some walks, an error, and a couple of hits. Brad Lidge came on in the 9th to preserve the 3-0 lead but after Mike Cameron struck out to lead off the inning, it turned into a nailbiter. Pinch-hitter Ray Durham singled, Ryan Braun doubled, and Durham scored on an error. Lidge got Fielder to strike out, and at last, with men on second and third, he got Corey Hart swinging to end the game. Whew! The Phillies won 3-1 thanks in part to some sparkling defensive plays. The offense barely showed up. What else is new when Hamels pitches. And, again, he was just spectacular. My seat was in the topmost row of the park right behind home plate. The seat was awesome. The crowd was awesome. Rain fell steadily starting in the second but was never heavy enough to stop the game.
