Phillies to Face Dodgers in NLCS

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon with a 6-2 victory in Game 4.

Pat Burrell hit two home runs in the game including a three run shot in the top of the 3rd. Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth also hit solo shots. Joe Blanton pitched six solid innings only surrendering a solo home run to Prince Fielder. Ryan Madson pitched the 7th and 8th while Brad Lidge got the final three outs in a non-save situation.

I thought the Phillies would sweep Milwaukee. They won three games to one. Close enough.

Dennis Eckersley wasn't sure why the Brewers sent C.C. Sabathia to pinch hit in the 4th inning. Probably because Sabathia will not be in a Brewers uniform in 2009 or for that matter Ben Sheets. Will Dale Sveum be invited to manage in 2009 after taking over with 12 games left in the season or will they look elsewhere?

So the Phillies will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS beginning Thursday night in Philadelphia. This is the fourth time the two teams faced in the NLCS. They faced each other in 1977 and 1978 with the Dodgers winning on both occasions before losing to the New York Yankees in the World Series each time. They last met in 1983. This time the Phillies won before losing to the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.

This is the NLCS I thought would transpire and I think it will be a good one. Although I would prefer the Phillies win it I believe the Dodgers will take it in seven games.