In what was perhaps the most important game for the Phillies in this series, besids a clincher of course, the Phillies with a stellar pitching performance from Ace Cole Hammels took game 1 od the 2008 World Series, 3-2. The Phillies had many chances to break the game open with base runner after base runner stranded and Cole Hammels being put in tight spots, they proved their strength by not giving in.
The game even started off in the Phillies favor when Chase Utley put a fastball pitch into the right field stands even before the Rays could pick up a bat. However, that was just about all the offense the Phils would pick up as Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell all went 0-12 with Howard and Burrell picking up a walk each.
Cole Hammels however was dominant going 7 innings and just giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. That led to Madison and Lidge retiring every batter they faced an allowin Lidge to pickup his 50th consecutive save. Hammels was in a couple jams but got out of it by enducing double plays to help out his cause.
The Rays on the other hand just didnt seem like the 2008 Rays. Perhaps they looked they the 2007 or 2006 Devil Rays. With the only bright spot of Scott Kazmir giving them a quality start, as opposed to a Scott Kazmir start, 20 Home Runs a Game, he gave the Rays a chance to win. This time, however, it was the Rays bats that have gone cold. I'm still very much so liking the Phillies in 5 as taking this game in the trop was crucial. I think the Phillies offense will show up and perhaps this is where the Ray magical season ends. It will for one of these two.
Oh and to all the Mets fans out there, last night had to be the most difficult game to watch, besides the final game at Shea Stadium, because you have your division rival Phillies and a former pitcher from your organization almost shut them down. Must've left you guys in an almost "What If" thinking mood.
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