Phils Advance to NLCS With a Show of Power
Phillies 6, Brewers 2
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Monday, October 6, 2008
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 5 -- With plenty of power to go with their improved pitching, the Philadelphia Phillies are ready for anything in the National League Championship Series.
Bring on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I like our chances," Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said Sunday after Philadelphia clinched its first trip to the NLCS since 1993 with a 6-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
"I think we can hold our own with them. Actually, I think we can beat anybody in the National League, really."
Especially if the Phillies keep playing this way.
Philadelphia's offense broke out in a big way against the Brewers in Game 4 of the best-of-five division series. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, Pat Burrell connected twice to break out of his postseason slump and Jayson Werth added a solo shot.
Midseason addition Joe Blanton threw a gem, holding the Brewers to one run after an eight-day layoff.
"That took a lot of pressure off of us," Rollins said of his home run. "We were up 1-0, regardless, no matter how the top of the first ended. On the other side, of course, it's going to put a little more pressure on you because their guys are thinking, 'Okay, well, we got to answer back.' "
The Brewers never could, and the Phillies rushed the mound at Miller Park after the final out, setting off a raucous celebration. In the clubhouse, the Phillies sprayed each other with champagne and beer, with Rollins wearing swimming goggles and a big grin as he searched for unsuspecting -- not to mention dry -- teammates.
Burrell was doused so many times it'll be days before his sweatshirt dries out, but he never stopped smiling.
"I couldn't be more thrilled. You know, I don't think it's actually sunk in all that much yet," said Burrell, who has been with the Phillies since they drafted him in 1998.
It will later this week, when the Phillies take on their old foe the Dodgers. Game 1 of the NLCS is Thursday in Philadelphia.
