In Cole We Trust...

Wow. Cole Hamels' performance yesterday was every bit as dominating as Josh Beckett's 2007 playoff portfolio. Cripes -- he damn damn near pitched a no hitter. Eight innings, just two hits and nine strikeouts.

The only thing he didn't do was finish the game. Despite having thrown "only" 102 pitches, Uncle Charlie felt the right thing to do was go to Brad Lidge. And having converted all 41 of his save opportunities this year, who could second guess him?

k

Well, of course, we can (and will). Fact: Hamels was in complete control of the game. Fact: Lidge has struggled the last month of the season (and did so yesterday). Fact: CC Sabathia is pitching tonight against Brett Myers. Myers has been shaky his last two outings. If the Phillies are ahead late, Uncle Charlie will need his 'pen. Fact: Having thrown 35 pitches yesterday, it is questionable as to how ready Lidge will be for tonight's game. A complete game from Hamels would have left Lidge fresh for tonight.

k

But, the Phillies won a playoff game for the first time in 15 years. We'll take it no matter the circumstances (like getting only four hits the entire game). We don't have high hopes for tonight (the whole Sabathia thing), but if we can pull out a W, this series will be over.

In yesterday's other games...

We knew the Red Sox were in good shape against the Angels. Not because JD Drew is back. Not because Mike Lowell is back. And not because the Red Sox have the better pitching. No, it's because ESPN.com's Jamele Hill wrote a column yesterday singing the praises of the Angels and the demise of the Sox. Three things we take for granted: Death, taxes and the fact that Jamele Hill has NO CLUE about anything. (Anything!)

Good to see D-Lowe and the Dodgers beat up the Cubs. Lou Piniella deserves to get kicked for tanking games down the season and allowing the Brewers to get in the playoffs. Furthermore, we know Our Phillies can beat the Dodgers and get to the World Series.