NLCS Gameday: Dodgers at Phillies, Game 5
Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, October 21, 2009 06:07 PM | Comments: 551
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Los Angeles Dodgers (1-3) at Philadelphia Phillies (3-1) 
Vicente Padilla, RHP vs. Cole Hamels, LHP
Time: 8:07 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Clear, 50
TV: TBS
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The unbelievable comeback from two days ago will be forever etched into our memories as one of the greatest moments in Phillies history. And now its time to forget about it. For now.
Tonight, let’s focus on the match up at hand, and ending this thing in five. The man responsible for that out of the gate is Cole Hamels. The Phillies ace of the 2008 postseason has pitched like a middle-of-the-rotation guy this entire year, and the weight falls squarely on his shoulders to close out a second straight NL Pennant. In Game 1, Hamels was so-so, allowing four earned runs, two of which came on a Manny Ramirez bomb. Hamels was gift wrapped a victory thanks to the offense in that game, but pitched anything like an ace. Which Cole Hamels shows up tonight?
Another pertinent question is, which Vicente Padilla will show up tonight? Will it be the mediocre Padilla that was released by the Texas Rangers mid-season, or the Padilla that has yet to lose in Dodger Blue? The ex-Phillie has been lights out in the playoffs, but tonight he goes on shorter rest than normal, having pitched Game 2. The outing ended in ND, but he made his presence felt. His all-of-the-sudden wicked four-seam fastball was reaching 96, plus was aided by a devastating slider coming in around 87. He can be had, however, and if the Phillies want success, they’ll have to jump on him early and often.
The stigma surrounding Hamels is his inability to keep his head in the game. At times, it appears he lacks focus, which won’t do tonight. The conditions should be perfect for Hamels, with slighly balmier temps coupled with a night game. No more excuses, just win, baby. A World Series Berth hangs in the balance.
A few Dodgers really have Hamels’ number, including Manny Ramirez who has a .375 average with two homers against the Phils lefty. Others who have shined against Hamels are James Loney (7-for-20, 2 HR) and Matt Kemp (8-for-20). Some have not fared so well including Andre Ethier (4-for-19) and Rafael Furcal (2-for-17).
Records could be set tonight: Ryan Howard needs an RBI to set the ML Postseason record for RBI in consecutive games (He’s now tied with Lou Gehrig at eight). Chase Utley has reached base in 24 straight games in the postseason, one shy of Boog Powell’s record.
The Phillies can do something that has never been done in this 125-year history of this franchise: win back-to-back NL Pennants. Let’s do it.
Tonight’s Lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Blanton (P).
Your Gameday Beer – Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale
This is a kick ass beer for a kick ass night. Yards Philly Pale Ale has a smooth, golden body with a bright, fresh taste. It’s a bit hoppy and it considered by some to be more of a summer beer, but the taste resonates through all of the seasons. Some also say it has an earthy flavor, and I agree, but it isn’t overpowering by any means. Pick up a case for a shade under $30, and enjoy a victory with loved ones tonight. The beer is exciting, and this night is exciting as well. – By Pat
GO PHILLIES!
Posts: 0 GWFightinsFan
For some reason, I am still a bit nervous about this series. Lose tonight, and suddenly the Dodgers are only one win away from tying it up. Once that happens, its a complete tossup…yeah I know we have Lee and Pedro due up to pitch so we should be alright but still, I just hope Hamels comes out and gives us a decent game, and the bats dont wait until the 9th to really come alive. Let’s go Phils! Finish them!!!!
Posted: 06:18 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Stuart
Not sure if anyone caught Joe Torres press confrence a little while ago. But I caught the end and he said that we remind him a lot of his Yankee three peat team. Thats a compliment and shows what kind of team we are. Lets not disappoint Joe. Lets get a win tonight.
Posted: 06:28 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Morris Buttermaker
Ok guys, we got a game with the Dodgers tonight. And that only means one thing. Bad news for the Dodgers!
Posted: 06:31 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 The Little Guy
So Blanton is getting back to back starts aye? lol
Hamels with the big start tonight
Posted: 06:32 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
Tonite’s the night ladies and gen-tle-men! Step 12 on Padilla’s AA program was to beat the Phillies. I tip my hat. But that was the first time that we really saw him in a while to be honest. We’ll see how he handles his new leash on life. Phillies… Philleeeeees!
Posted: 06:35 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Morris Buttermaker
Glad to see the column up early tonight. I am heading out the door to the game. And I will be giving hell to the Dodgers for all of those who can’t make it to the game today.
Win tonight and we walk together forever.
Posted: 06:35 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Dan C.
No way, gameday beer should be Miller High Life, so we can celebrate with the “Champagne of Beers”!
Posted: 06:40 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Scotty
Toughest one yet. Need to get Hamels some run and defensive support to boost his confidence, and need the crowd to be just sick out of their minds.
Send Manny to the showers early and End. It. Now.
Posted: 06:52 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Colorado Joe
I really don’t want this series to go back to LA. I am fairly confident the Phils win this series no matter what though. Cole’s performance tonight definitely could effect the order of starters in the World Series (assuming they get there).
Posted: 06:54 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
Don’t worry it won’t…. I picked the Phils in 5 games. Five…. Five…. Five f*ck’n games!
Posted: 06:57 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Dick Vitale
Ricky Bo’s hair plugs! Darren Daulton’s comb-over shamrock! It’s too much! Just be like me and except your baldyness for what is baby!! Bye b*tches……
Posted: 07:07 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 j reed
Some better fielding would be nice…Hamels has be the victim of some poor defensive play, but that being said doesn’t excuse his loss of focus after these errors were made. Also, a few runs gives him a little more cushion which let’s face it is always good in CBP.
Posted: 07:10 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Jarod
Some notes from Dodgertown USA: Dodgers have been here before: Manny & Mientkiewicz were both on ’04 Sox team that came back from 3-0 (and 3-1) vs the Yankees / Teams trailing 3-1 in the LCS have come back to win 3 times in last 6 yrs (’03 Marlins, ’04 & ’07 RedSox) / Dodgers have won 3 in a row 15 times in 2009 incl. NLDS sweep of the STLCards / Torre confirms Wolf would start a Game 7 if we play one
So if Dodgers win tonight possible matchups are
Game 6: Pedro Martinez vs Clayton Kershaw in Dodger Stadium
Game 7: Cliff Lee vs Randy Wolf in Dodger Stadium
Hopefully and I believe Phillies will tonight so there rotation can get set good for world series which starts one week from today!!!
WS Game 1: NL Champ at AL Champ 7:57pm ET Wednesday October 28th, 2009
Posted: 07:14 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Eli
Anyone scared of the Yankees, once the Phillies win tonight? Like really scared?
Posted: 07:14 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
Nope! Beat it retard.
Posted: 07:15 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Phan in TN
looking for a win tonight.
Posted: 07:16 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Adam Eaton
Can I join in on the fun.
Please guys?!!
Posted: 07:27 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Also, Howard is tied with Gehrig and A-Rod for RBI’s in consecutive games. A-Rod tied the record last night.
He will set a new record tonight though so whatever.
And now for the Phillies official prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep and pray for Dodger fans to weep.
And if they should get a single hit, Dodger’s fan’s will talk their sh*t.
But when the Dodger’s taste defeat, the World Champs will once again repeat.
Amen
Your 2009 Philadelphia Phillies!!
Posted: 07:31 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Matt
Let’s go Cole, get it done tonight. Nobody wants to make that plane ride across the country again. End it at home, enjoy a ridiculous 6 days off, then get ready to take on the Stanky Yankees.
Posted: 07:37 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Griffin
Let’s do this. End them tonight.
Posted: 07:46 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
let’s go PHILLIES!!! :D
Posted: 07:58 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Stuart
Somebody said that in LA they are talking about how they can come back because they have players that did it before. Well the Manny that did it before was on steroids, ever since hes been off he has not been even close to the player that he was.
Posted: 07:59 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Stuart
Ed R.
I love it.
Posted: 08:01 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Bruce Buffer
Phillies fans, LLLLLLLLLLLet’s get ready to REPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAATTTTTT!
Posted: 08:05 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
Here we go!
Posted: 08:06 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Those of you who live in Philly, I heard that they greased all the poles on South Broad street and removed all the nice trash cans to deter people from wild celebrations and pole climbing…buzzkill.
Posted: 08:07 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
Cole’s gonna have a good night
Posted: 08:07 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 HotDogs
Checking in for tonight….wish I was at the game!
Posted: 08:08 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Hamels has to get ahead in the count on guys, absolutely has to if he wants to be successful. That is the key for him.
I say that as he just went 3-0 on Furcal.
Posted: 08:08 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
he gets him in the end :D
Posted: 08:09 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
WTF? Hamels couldn’t close out guys for nothing any now from 3-0 to K? Love it.
Posted: 08:09 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
not liking the 1st pitch balls though
Posted: 08:11 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
Nice curve ball kid
Posted: 08:12 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
Hamels gets attacked by too many foul balls
Posted: 08:14 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
f-that
Posted: 08:14 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Hamels needs to trust his catcher. Ruiz knows his stuff. Hamels needs to worry about locating his pitches and letting Ruiz call them.
Damn it Cole. Son of a bitch.
Posted: 08:14 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
OK, just a solo shot, not a problem kid
Posted: 08:15 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
I thought Either wasn’t good against Hamels.
F U Manny. F U straight to Mannywood.
Posted: 08:15 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
oh here we go, blah blah
Posted: 08:15 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Terri
It is only the first inning, but Cole is not looking to sharp.
Posted: 08:15 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Phils Phan
Cole 2008 > Cole 2009. He’s really a Brett Myers-caliber starter this season.
Posted: 08:16 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 jt
cole hamels sucks…looks like were goin to l.a because padilla owns them.
Posted: 08:16 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
the rockets’ red glare….. uh oh…..
Posted: 08:17 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
nice, now let’s score!
Posted: 08:17 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 ray
they can have that solo shot we’re going to pour it on tonight..no biggie
Posted: 08:17 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Dave
Ugghhh, could see that one coming.
Posted: 08:18 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 ray
jt go to la by yourself
Posted: 08:18 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
23 pitches for Cole
and enough of this Padilla. he’s not this amazing pitcher. let’s crush him!
Posted: 08:18 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
Now THAT is a great commercial.
Fat guy in a little coat.
Posted: 08:19 PM on October 21, 2009
Posts: 0 Stuart
this site is full of unbelievably terrible fans. i am leaving now. we havnt even batted yet, were down 1-0 and already were going back to LA? go somewhere else. learn about baseball and become a fan. some of the peolpe on here are really smart and i love reading your opinions and talking with you. but a lot of people just whine about everything that happens. ITS 1-0 THE GAME IS OVER!!!!! last time i checked we were down a run in the 9th inning last game. anyone forget that?
Posted: 08:19 PM on October 21, 2009