NLCS Game 1 : Dodgers At Phillies

Game 1 : National League Championship Series
Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

8:22 p.m. / 63, clear
Derek Lowe (14-11, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (14-10, 3.09 ERA)

Cole Hamels suits up and takes the mound in game one of a best-of-seven to determine champion of the National League. He’ll be opposed by 35-year-old right-hander Derek Lowe, who went 3-0 in four starts in the 2004 postseason, and is 6-4 in 19 postseason appearances.

It’s the first NLCS at Citizens Bank Park, the first series of its kind for the Phillies in 15 years, and just the seventh NLCS appearance in franchise history.

News & Notes

Only three Phillies have hit home runs off Lowe: Pedro Feliz, Matt Stairs and Chris Coste. … Matt Kemp and Juan Pierre (.333) are the only Dodgers hitting over .250 against Hamels. … Of the seven NLCS appearances in franchise history, the Phils have met the Dodgers in four of them. … The Dodgers pitching staff gave up just 123 home runs in 2008, tops in baseball. … They also gave up just 259 doubles, also tops in baseball. … Despite the great starting pitching ERA, the Dodgers had 79 quality starts, good for 14th in baseball. The Phillies were fifth (88). … Regular lineup tonight — funny, the Opening Day lineup has come full circle.
The Lineup

Jimmy Rollins / SS
Shane Victorino / CF
Chase Utley / 2B
Ryan Howard / 1B
Pat Burrell / LF
Jayson Werth / RF
Pedro Feliz / 3B
Carlos Ruiz / C
Cole Hamels / P

Your Gamenight Beer

It’s October. Time for Harpoon Octoberfest. A refreshing blend of caramel and hops, its — I sound like a commercial. Listen, it’s a good beer. Drink up, Phillies fans. It’s the NLCS. It’s here. Let’s watch intently and be the best fans we can be. Enjoy in the company of many, and eat party food: wings, chips, etc. Or, if you’re at the park (why are you reading this?), eat a Dodger fan. That’ll show ’em.

Go Phillies!