PHILLIES NEWS

Tonight after a long layoff the Phils returned to action against the Tampa Rays in game 1 of the World Series. Cole Hamels got the start and delivered yet another clutch performance allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 strong innings of work. Meanwhile, the Phils jumped out early with 3 runs in the first 4 innings and a 3-0 lead. So it would come down to the bullpen to hold the lead yet again. Now onto the game. In the top of the 1st Chase Utley slammed a 2 run homer for a 2-0 lead. In the top of the 4th, Shane Victorino singled and scored on a pair of fielder's choices for a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th Carlos Crawford slugged a solo homer to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the 5th, Jason Bartlett worked a 2 out walk, stole second, and scored on a double by Akinori Iwamura to cut the lead to 3-2. From there Hamels stabilized, then Ryan Madson pitched a perfect 8th and Brad Lidge tossed a perfect 9th inning to close out the key 3-2 Phils win. So the Phils now stand 3 wins from a world title, but they will not be easy.