Phils Advance to World Series

Not since 1993 have we been able to say the Phillies are in the World Series. But after the 3rd leadoff home run for Jimmy Rollins in his career in the playoffs, a dominating performance by Cole Hamels, and a game with three H's(hits), not three K's, from Ryan Howard, the Phillies clinched a berth in the fall classic 15 years in the making.

The game's final play landed in catcher Carlos Ruiz's glove down the third-base line and finally the Phils triumphant 5-1 win was in the record books. Now they must wait until next Wednesday the 22nd for Game 1 in either Boston or Tampa Bay.



No matter the winner of the AL, their is some ironic Phillies history related to both teams. The Boston Red Sox handed the Phils their first World Series appearance and loss in 1915 with a certain pitcher turned "Bambino" later in his career. Now obviously we have never faced the Rays in a World Series, but only a loss to the Rays would make every World Series loss by a Phillie team to an AL East opponent.

1915 Boston Red Sox 4-1
1950 New York Yankees 4-0
1983 Baltimore Orioles 4-1
1993 Toronto Blue Jays 4-2

Phillies Win 7-5, Take 3-1 Series Lead

Phils Take the Stairs to Game 4 Victory

Matt Stairs hitting a pinch-hit, game winning home run in the 8^th is as improbable as it can get in Philly folklore. Last night's miracle off Stairs' bat and from Jonathan Broxton's arm passed the 4^th and 26 Freddie Mitchell miracle for postseason heroics from an unlikely player. With only backup catcher Chris Coste remaining on his bench, Manager Charlie Manuel went to the veteran Stairs. The lefty waited patiently for a pitch to hit against the flame-thrower Broxton and got ahead in the count 3-1. The next pitch, a fastball, Stairs got out in front of and drove into the right field seats. The blast gave the Phils an 8-6 lead, and one they wouldn't relinquish. The unlikelihood of the homer is coupled with the fact the Dodgers' Broxton has not given up a home run all year at home.

If you're a die-hard Phillies fan, you may remember Game 3 in 1977 as "Black Friday". Well last night can be called "Miracle Monday" because Matt Stairs is as unlikely as it gets.

The Phils will hope to continue that good fortune Wednesday with their ace Hamels taking the mound.