NLCS Game 1 - Philly Gives the Lowe-Down.

Derek Lowe was in control. The man who won three series-clinching games for the Red Sox in 2004 had the Philadelphia crowd at his fingertips, and he knew it. Lowe cruised through the first five innings of Game 1 of the NLCS, as opposing hurler Cole Hamels looked slightly less impressive. Hamels had surrendered two runs early, the first the result of a Manny Ramirez double -- which Manny, of course, stood and admired at home plate thinking it was a round-tripper. That's just Manny being smug. (That's the slogan, right?)

The sixth inning was Philadelphia's time to shine. With a man on, Chase Utley slugged one over the outfield wall at Citizen's Bank Ballpark, a fly ball that would have almost certainly been an out anywhere else. That's the beauty of home-field advantage. With that, Lowe unraveled. He gave up a solo shot two batters later to Pat Burrell, and the night was lost for Los Angeles. Hamels, along with strong work from the Phillies' bullpen, shut down the Dodger offense to secure Game 1. Brad Lidge picked up the save with a scoreless ninth.

The mini-meltdown was uncharacteristic for Derek Lowe. The man who's shown such poise in postseasons past -- and as a Red Sox diehard, I've seen every single moment -- wilted just a bit too much. Giving up three runs is unthinkable when opposed by Hamels, arguably the best left-hander in the National League. (I'm pointing the finger at you, Johan Santana. You've been replaced.)

Thankfully for the Dodgers, Game 2 is already upon us. Today at 4:35 PM ET, Chad Billingsley takes the ball against the Phillies' Brett Myers. The Dodgers look to steal the game and go home with a split.

Final Score: Philadelphia 3, Los Angeles 2.
Win: Cole Hamels (1-0)
Loss: Derek Lowe (0-1)
Save: Brad Lidge (1)
Player of the Game: Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 8 K, 2 BB).


On Tap for Today / Tonight:

4:35 PM ET: The Dodgers and Phillies meet in the city of brotherly love for Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. Chad Billingsley (LAD) opposes Brett Myers (PHI). Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.

8:37 PM ET: The Red Sox and Rays kick off the American League Championship Series in Tampa Bay. Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) opposes James Shields (TBR).


Posted by Dan Zappulla, Vendorball Columnist.