Bot 9th
3:02 p.m.
Though the Phillies storm the field, 44,000+ give a well deserved standing ovation to the gallant Brewers who gave their fans the most excitement and success (despite a bit of indigestion here and there) since 1982.

Well deserved to get to the playoffs...more a story of effort and desire than spectacular execution, but we love you anyway.  Go get 'em in '09!

2:53 p.m. 
Lidge is on, and so are 44,000 people slapping thundersticks, praying for a miracle.

Will Milwaukee produce it?

Hardy could start it...but he sends one to 3rd base where it's scooped up and thrown for the out.

Now we're asking Corey Hart to produce to help a miracle?  Not with the lack of rhythm he has now....wait, he got a single!

Brad Nelson's now up...and it's a swingandamiss K.

Final hope: Jason Kendall....out on a grounder to short.

Top 9th
2:46 p.m. 
Mota stays in and gives up a base hit to Feliz.  But he works through a tough inning and gets a DP to end it.

Bottom 8th
2:35 p.m. 
Philadelphia 6, Milwaukee 2
Burrell leaves the game after hitting 2 homers and 4 RBI's.  Thank goodness.

Hall starts the probable second-last inning of the season for Milwaukee in front of 43,934 today.  Hall gets jammed and fists an out to short.

Cameron loops one into center for a base hit.  A flicker of light?  Not as much when Durham does nothing.  Braun...a nice single to left that scored Cameron.

Fielder then comes up and Utley takes away the rally by snatching a hard liner to right.

Top 8th
2:24 p.m. 
Philadelphia 6, Milwaukee 1 
Parra has GOT to keep these guys down.  Utley starts Philly's attack by striking out.  Howard swingandamisses (that's now a word.  Look it up in Webster's!  Just kidding.)

Double switch...Mota and Hall come in. 

Burrell battles Mota and wins....left field bomb that, I think, might put the nail in the coffin of the Brewers' season.

They get Werth to end the inning.

Bottom 7th
2:10 p.m. 
Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 1
A long version of God Bless America, but it gets the crowd a litle pumped.

Fielder, who is 0-12 in the series so far, goes 3-2 before LAUNCHING ONE TO RIGHT!  At last, on the board.

J.J. Hardy adds a single, and they're on the phone to the Phillies' pen. 

Manuel makes a change.  It's Madson.

Can Corey Hart finally get hot when they need it?  Grounder to 2nd, and the out is at first.  Hardy up to 2nd.

Counsell has a similar fate.  Kendall with two out and Hardy on 3rd....a lazy fly ball to right.

Top 7th
2:01 p.m. 
Parra comes in to take over for Gallardo, who did a solid relief job.  He gets Blanton on a swinging K.  Rollins first-pitches a single to left.  DP!   Thank you, going 6-4-3 to retire the side.

Bot 6th
1:52 p.m. 
Blanton working on a two-hitter...pathetic.

The start comes by Gwynn, who pinch hits and gets a single.  Now, it's Cameron - a pop-up.  Durham: a routine fly to right, and Werth makes the catch.  Still pathetic - just two hits. 

Braun gets caught looking.  Ugh.

Top 6th
1:44 p.m. 
Gallardo keeps going despite McClung working.  Deep fly to right by Burrell gets caught by Hart, and there's no crashing into a wall or losing a ball on it, either.

Counsell caught a high fly ball that actually hit the roof!   It was going into left field, caroming toward the infield.

Greg Dobbs got a single looping into left field, but Counsell took another pop-up.

Todd Welter adds his thoughts on The Llama Laments as to the failure of Jeff Suppan.

Bottom 5th
1:34 p.m. 
Puhleez, offense, do something!  Hardy starts off the inning with a base hit to left, and the crowd seems to be a little alive. 

Then Hart comes up and does his typical thing, whiffs again.  Blanton's 5th, and he got him to chase on a low and outside stinky poopy pitch, as Andi Miller would say.

Can Counsell do something?  AFter going 0-2 in the count, another K.  The natives are getting restless inside Miller Park.

McClung works in the pen while Kendall is at bat, and he gets the easy bouncer to short.  TOO EASY.

Top 5th
1:28 p.m. 
Gallardo to save the day on the mound?  It starts well with an easy out at first with Gallardo taking it himself.

Man, is the crowd quiet, on its fannies, just without energy.  It feels like 1998 and the worst Phil Garner years all over again.

Nice!  1-2-3....that gets the crowd a little feistier.

Bottom 4th
1:21 p.m. 
Blanton continues to rake on the mound with a K. 

Powell made a great point on Suppan - the Phillies wouldn't touch close-to-the-zone-but-low pitches and made him get strikes by putting the ball higher, and they killed him.

Braun gets K'd swinging and Fielder does nothing either - Blanton is dominating.  The Brewers are getting impatient, and down five runs with their playoff lives at stake, I don't blame them.  Still, there's plenty of time. 

Top 4th
1:16 p.m.
Thank You Yovani!  1-2-3 inning, really easy.  We've missed that today, a lot.  Sorry, Soup.

Bottom 3rd Inning
1:08 p.m. 
Can Milwaukee pull a HUGE miracle?  44,000+ are pensive, and Kendall gives no confidence they can with a flyout. 

Sabathia is pinch hitting!   Trust me, he's not coming in to pitch - that would be a miracle.  We need him for Sunday if that can happen.  But, he swings and misses for strike three.

Gallardo goes to warm up...they absolutely need him now.  Cammy ends the inning with a flyout to center.

Top 3rd Inning
12:51 p.m. 
Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 0
Suppan starts off again with Rollins, and a double bloop down the line by Victorino.  This guy KILLS us.  Then it's Utley - a slapper to 2nd, and Victorino moves to third, but with two down.

Does Suppan pitch to Howard?  Nope...intentional walk.  I'd be a scaredy-cat, too, in this situation.

Pat Burrell burns Suppan with a three-run shot.  I'd take Suppan out now.

Jason Werth does the same thing next at-bat.  SICK.  REALLY take him out now.

Bottom 2nd Inning
12:48 p.m.
The offense doesn't have its big boppers up...Hardy, though, has been impressive all series.  Now up, he pops up.

Hart: easy grounder.  He just is out of sorts completely at the plate.  I'm beginning to think it's time for Tony Gwynn, Jr. at right.

Counsell: another pop-up to end the inning at short.

Top 2nd Inning
Burrell starts the inning with a bouncer down the right field line, but Hart gets him to stay at 1st with a great defensive play on the line.  A base knock by Victorino made things worse, 1st and 3rd with one out.  Soup just doesn't have it.

Ruiz comes up in the pressure situation and gets out, then with 2nd and 3rd, HE STRUCK HIM OUT SWINGING!!!!   Saved from a much worse ending.

Bottom 1st Inning
Cameron leads off with a punchout.  Popup by Durham.  Braun doing the whole Nomar-like spit and adjust his wrists routine: it worked - a nice shot to left for a base knock.

Fielder comes up with the crowd going nutso: he fights off multiple pitches. I love how the Brewers are actually working counts! 

The crowd stands and beat their big sticks down...Fielder big sticks one to left, but not far enough.

Top 1st Inning
Philadelphia 1, Milwaukee 0
First batter, Jimmy Rollins, goes 3-2 before smashing a shot to right field.  After getting an out, Suppan walked Chase Utley - which brought nervousness to the stadium.

A nice DP gets Soup out of the inning.

Todd Welter of 620WTMJ.com admits he's wrong about the Brewers in The Llama Laments.

12:02 p.m. 
The fans are exploding with the rally sticks, and IT IS LOUD at Miller Park.

11:57 a.m.
Hmmm...an anthem Jim Powell liked.  He's a traditionalist, I guess.

Game Three Blog

Top 9th Inning

9:09 p.m.  3 Out
Torres vs. Ruiz: Torres gets the bouncer, delivers to Fielder and he pumps his fist for the VICTORY!!!!!!!

9:06 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 2nd and 3rd
Milwaukee 4, Philadelphia 2
Torres vs. Feliz:  5...4..3!!!  DP!  We don't mind the run scoring.

Wait a minute....did the run really score?  Did Victorino interfere with Counsell at 2nd?  That would mean an automatic out, and the run gets taken off the board! 

9:04 p.m.  Bases loaded
Torres vs. Victorino: while Mota warms up in the pen, and the crowd gets pensively quiet, a slapper drops into left field for a base hit.  Boos really cascade down on Torres.

9:01 p.m.  Runners on 1st and 2nd
Torres vs. Greg Dobbs: with the crowd all again on its feet, liner to right center for a base hit, but Howard has to hold.  Still, the natives are getting restless.

8:57 p.m.  Runner on 1st
  Torres vs. Howard: base hit just past Hall who was on the shift from 3rd toward short.

Bottom 8th Inning

8:54 p.m.  3 Out
Madson vs. Fielder: anotherwsingandamiss.  Just means the celebration comes quicker.

8:54 p.m.  2 Out
Madson vs. Braun: liner right at Utley at 2nd.

8:52 p.m.  1 Out
Madson vs. Hall: swingandamiss on a letter-high fastball.

Top 8th Inning

8:45 p.m.  3 Out
Gagne vs. Utley: Torres and Parra work in the pen, while Gagne goes to 0-2 before Utley stays alive with foul-offs.

With Miller Park going nuts again, a liner to center, but Cameron lopes five feet and ends the inning.  Three outs to go for a game 3 win.

8:42 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Gagne vs. Werth: HIGH CHEESE gets Miller Park rocking on strike 2...now, to end the drama.

43,992 stand and scream as Gagne throws on 3-2...powerful drive to left center off the wall, and Cameron falls down as Werth gets to second.

8:41 p.m.  2 Out
Gagne vs. Rollins: a bunt down the 1st base line, but Gagne knew what he was doing and tagged him while he was trying to slide.

8:39 p.m.  1 Out
Gagne vs. Jenkins: a good ovation for Jenks, who makes his first postseason appearance.  He just looks weird wearing number 10 in red and gray.

A shot to left center and Braun lopes in to snag it.

Bottom 7th Inning

8:34 p.m.  3 Out
Madson vs. Cameron: slow grounder to short, force at 2nd ends the inning, but a BIG run.

8:33 p.m. 
Charlie Manuel brings in Ryan Madson for Eyre.

8:29 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Eyre vs. Nelson: boos cascade on the 3rd base ump who made the call that Nelson swung through a ball.

Todd Welter chimes in again with the whole Guns'n'Roses theme: patience.
The Llama Laments: How Patient Were the Brewers?

8:26 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Milwaukee 4, Philadelphia 1
Eyre vs. Kendall: liner to left!  Base hit!  At last, someone produces a run!

8:23 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 3rd
Eyre vs. Counsell: slow grounder that the fielders can't get to in time!  Great job on the swinging bunt.

8:22 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Eyre vs. Hart: a great bunt along first, and Howard has to shovel to the 2nd baseman at first - great job on the sacrifice.

8:19 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Eyre vs. Hardy, following a long rendition of God Bless America by Rhonda Begos of Streetlife (I have NO PROBLEM if it sounds good and gets the crowd going - I guess it's a time thing for Jim):

Hardy gets one on the first pitch for a base hit.  Center field...great job.

Top 7th Inning

8:14 p.m.  3 Out
Villanueva vs. Ruiz: beautiful pick by Hall, running into foul territory, GREAT throw to pull off the out.  Great defense this inning.

8:12 p.m.  2 Out
Villanueva vs. Feliz: slapper to Counsell on the outfield grass, but he turns quickly and pulls off the out.

8:07 p.m.  1 Out
Villanueva vs. Victorino: a hig fly to Hart along the chalk in right field for an out.

Bottom 6th Inning

8:03 p.m.  3 Out
Eyre vs. Fielder, who's .250 with the bases juiced: pop up...left field...Werth catches, and it's another blown inning. 

8:01 p.m. 
Charlie Manuel brings in Scott Eyre to pitch and GEOFF JENKINS to play right.  That's awesome for Geoff, to play in this playoff game in his old home stadium..

7:56 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded
Durbin vs. Braun: as 43,992 stand and scream through the at-bat (all those press taking away from us fans), a whiff.  OOOOOOOOGA...can we miss any more opportunities? 

7:54 p.m.  1 Out, bases loaded
Durbin vs. Hall: liner to right center - Villanueva doesn't have enough speed to go home on Werth's throw, but he gets back to 3rd.

7:53 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Durbin vs. Cameron: base hit to center...hmm...do we have a rally?

7:52 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Durbin vs. Villanueva: a rare relief pitcher appearance at the plate.

Bouncer up the middle - BASE HIT!  I see why Sveum put him in.  He can rake it occasionally.

7:48 p.m.  1 Out
Chad Durbin vs. Kendall: Rollins throws him out on a routine grounder.

On TBS, Brian Anderson gave Klement's some love with the sponsor mention for the sausage race.  Tom Hammond of NBC should call it sometime like he calls an Olympic race.

Top 6th Inning

7:44 p.m.  3 Out
Villanueva vs. Burrell: bounce to Hall on a tough hop, but he gets it no problema.

7:43 p.m. 
Stetter out, Attanasio applauds him with a standing O, Villanueva in.  The Jockey "mesh" commercial runs on the Brewers Radio Network, bringing us all to impersonations.  Scary.

7:40 p.m.  2 Out
Milwaukee 3, Philadelphia 1
Mitch Stetter vs. Howard: bouncer to 3rd...gets Howard barely.  A run scores, but better to get the out.

7:38 p.m. 
Sveum slaps Bush's butt and takes him out for Stetter, but Bush tips his glove to the 45,000 who give a standing ovation.

7:35 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 3rd
Bush vs. Utley: a 3-1 count, and a dangerous spot for Bush...3-2 after a foul ball...a pop-up for Hardy in short center...and a catch and Werth can't go anywhere.

7:31 p.m.  Runner on 3rd
Bush vs. Werth: ball hit to right to the wall...WHERE COREY HALL CAUGHT but DROPPED IT!  He had it but it scurried away when he hit the metal fencing out there.

He hit the wall, somersaulted off it, and then the ball popped out.  Bad call.  NO BLAME ON YOU, COREY!

Bottom 5th Inning

7:27 p.m.  3 Out
Condrey vs. Counsell, the most versatile get-on-base guy on Milwaukee's roster: he's .412 with the bases loaded in his career.

This time, a throw to second BARELY misses getting Fielder, who almost got nailed off the base.

But he's too patient.  He was called out on strikes.  Could have blown this game wide open.

7:25 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded
Condrey vs. Hart: PLEASE use your head this time, Corey.  PLEASE.

Ball four too high.  That's nice and smart.  :)

7:24 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Condrey vs. Hardy: slammer to right, but right at Werth, whose throw keeps the runners in their spots.  Just hit to the wrong spot.

7:23 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Condrey vs. Fielder: a scaredy-cat-intentional walk.  Aw, Condrey a chicken?  Maybe the chicken dance they played in Philly after a Sabathia intentional pass should play here.

7:21 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Milwaukee 3, Philadelphia 0
Condrey vs. Braun (after a mound visit by Dubee): "Let's Go Brewers" echoes off the dome - by the way, great move to close it up and increase the noise.

Fly to left, about 330 feet deep.  Burrell catches it, and Cameron scores easily.

7:17 p.m.  Runners on 1st and 3rd
Condrey vs. Hall: up the middle to cetner, Cameron flies to 2nd like Carl Lewis and gets the gold medal at 3rd.

7:13 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Clay Condrey (reliever for Myers) vs. Cameron: a high-and-inside pitch hit Cameron.  Another rally?

Here at Radio City, we get to see the full feeds from Miller Park that TBS uses.  I LOVE the overhead view of Miller Park at night, where you can see inside the 1st base line to the park.

Top 5th Inning

7:12 p.m.  3 Out
Moyer vs. Rollins: 1st pitch - popped it up to Hardy.  Seems like he learned from the Brewers' hitting philosophy in games 1 and 2.

7:09 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Matt Stairs: interesting decision to replace Moyer with the former Brewer.

It goes deep to center, but Cameron takes it on the warning track.  Just like his old days, warning track power.

7:08 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Bush vs. Ruiz: after going 0-2, liner to right, again right to Corey Hart.  Runner can't advance.

7:06 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Bush vs. Feliz: fast bouncer to short and Hall cuts in front of Hardy, deflecting the ball, screwing up Hardy's effort to make the play.  Base hit?  Yes, but not really.

Bottom 4th Inning

7:03 p.m.  3 Out
Moyer vs. Bush: a three-up, three down inning after a grounder to short.

7:00 p.m.  2 Out
Moyer vs. Kendall: grounder to 3rd, Feliz takes on two hops, no problem.

Todd Welter chimes in with The Llama Laments again, describing how the Brewers have a better approach at the plate.

As I blog this, eyeballs are now split to two TV's and ears are now tuned to two radios with the Brewers and Badgers playing simultaneously.

6:57 p.m.  1 Out
Moyer vs. Counsell: a tough pitch to hit, Counsell fists it to Rollins who barely gets him at 1st. 

Top 4th Inning

6:54 p.m.  3 Out
Bush vs. Victorino: liner right into the glove of Hardy moving toward center.  Phew.

6:52 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Burrell: the Brewers got a call on a ball that was called a strike down low to make it 0-2.  Then, on 2-2, Hart doesn't even have to move to get a fast liner to right.

6:49 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Howard: with a HUGE shift toward right by the infield, Howard has a hole bigger than the one Edgar Bennett ran to the Super Bowl through in the 1996 NFC Final.

Does Howard use it?  Nope, a bouncer to Counsell right in the thick of the shift.

6:46 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Bush vs. Utley: a liner to 2nd for a base hit, the first leadoff hitter to get on today vs. Bush.

Weeks is out of tonight's game with a sprained left knee.  He got it trying to beat out a ball beating a throw in the 2nd inning.  Counsell comes in.

Bottom 3rd Inning

6:44 p.m.  3 Out
Moyer vs. Hart: a bloop single to right...finally...wait...WHAT ARE YOU DOING COREY?  You just got picked off first after lazily going too wide on the turn.  WHAT ARE YOU DOING????

6:44 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Moyer vs. Hardy: a base hit to right on a pitch left up in the zone.  Can't do that, Jamie!

6:42 p.m.  2 Out
Moyer vs. Fielder: swingandamiss on more off-speed cheese (what's that for Moyer...Bugs Bunny's two-mile-an-hour pitch from the old cartoon?)

6:39 p.m.  1 Out
Moyer vs. Braun: he should have been the next batter in the 2nd with the bases loaded, as replays show strike two to Hall was actually a ball.

Anyway, Moyer's starting to pepper the corners with fastballs and Braun has to swing...and he's been missing to get to 0-2.

A fly ball, playable, and Werth has to adjust to the dome lights before getting the out.

Top 3rd Inning

6:34 p.m.  3 Out
Bush vs. Werth: the fans stand on 0-2, but a fastball just misses outside.

WHIFF strike three on a curve.  Werth slammed the helmet in frustration.

6:33 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Rollins: fly ball along the left field line and Braun can't catch it...but the stands do for a ground-rule double.

6:32 p.m.  2 Out
Bush vs. Moyer: a no problema bounce back to the pitcher for the 2nd out.

6:30 p.m.  1 Out
Bush vs. Ruiz: a deep shot to right, but Hart takes five steps and gets the out. 

Bottom 2nd Inning

6:25 p.m.  3 Out
Moyer vs. Hall: a mound conference after two straight balls, then a check swing gets it to 3-1.

Hall thought he had a ball four before the ump (Brian Runge) called it strike two, and he even took a step.  Hall is chatting with Runge before an outside corner strike benches Hall, frustratingly. 

6:22 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Moyer vs. Cameron: working it to 3-2 (we like that for pitch counts, if nothing else), Cameron fouls off cheese before inducing a walk again!  (Just a little patience....ehhhhhhhhh.)

6:21 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 2nd
Moyer vs. Bush: a beautiful bunt that goes 2-4 at 1st base, and Kendall gets in scoring position.

6:18 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Moyer vs. Kendall: one-hopper past Utley at 2nd base, and the Brewers' next rally (?) starts.

6:15 p.m.  1 Out
Moyer vs. Weeks: a bouncer to 3rd and he BARELY gets Weeks at 1st.

Top 2nd Inning

6:11 p.m.  3 Out
Bush vs. Feliz: fly ball to left and Braun doesn't even have to move to catch it. 

6:11 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Victorino: taking a page out of the Brewers book, Victorino goes first pitch and goes left-center to Cameron, and Howard can't advance.

6:08 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Bush vs. Burrell: great pick by Hall at 3rd on an absolute crusher of a liner, and he gets the out.

6:06 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Bush vs. Howard: base hit to left center and it's a double as the ball scurries past Braun.

Bottom 1st Inning

6:04 p.m.  3 Out
Moyer vs. Hart: another K, but it's a little easier to take when you have the lead.

6:00 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Milwaukee 2, Philadelphis 0
Moyer vs. Hardy, who likes to go up against the type of pitches Moyer delivers:

Up into left, base hit, and Miller Park's roof might come off with the crowd noise.

5:58 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 3rd
Milwaukee 1, Phiadelphia 0
Moyer vs. Fielder: as "Lets Go Brewers" rings across the stadium, BOMB TO RIGHT, but playable for Werth. 

That scores Cameron and the Brew Crew leads for the first time since early in game two!

5:53 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 2nd and 3rd
Moyer vs. Braun: a pitching coach visit from Rich Dubee (oh, I could give so many jokes here, but I'm FCC-friendly).

Going to 1-2, Braun fights off pitches - again, making the old man's pitch count rise - two more balls make it another full count.  No official count, but Jamie's got to be above 20 pitches now.

Then...an infield fly goes foul to Ruiz.

5:52 p.m.  Runners on 2nd and 3rd
Moyer vs. Braun: Moyer's spending a lot of time on Cameron at 2nd...then a wild pitch and Cameron gets to 3rd, with Hall to 2nd!

5:46 p.m.  Runners on 1st and 2nd
Moyer vs. Hall: after five straight balls (don't tell me the Brewers have learned patience at the plate), there's a conference at the mound.

He finally delivers something Hall can't swing and hit for a 1-1 count...then...a breaking ball hitting the outside corner.  Moyer throws such junk for strikes that he's hard to figure out.

But Hall's staying back, going to a full count...good to up his pitch count....then, fighting foul pitches while the crowd is even louder (my guesstimate) than that in Philadelphia, A LONG DRIVE TO LEFT....aw, foul.  Ueck, you got me too pumped up there!

Then...high and inside....ball four! 

Cue Guns and Roses..."just a little patience...ehhhhhhhh"....leads to two walks.

5:44 p.m.  Runner on 1st 
Moyer vs. Cameron, who doesn't have a hit yet in the playoffs (not like too many guys do): he doesn't need to if he can get a walk to start it off.  (Let's get it started...let's get it started...what's wrong with quoting the Black-Eyed Peas?)

Top 1st Inning

5:41 p.m.  3 Out

Bush vs. Utley: bouncer right back to bush and he underhands it to Fielder.  Three up, three down, fans up and screaming.

5:39 p.m.  2 Out
Bush vs. Werth: the batters are having a weird time of it with the reflection of the sun off the left field panels.

0-2 count, the crowds stand and scream...after a foul and ball one, SWINGANDAMISS AGAIN - in the dirt, but Kendall takes care of it with the putout.

5:37 p.m.  1 Out
Bush vs. Rollins: SWINGANDAMISS strike one and 45,000 go nuts. 

Pregame

5:35 p.m. 
Want to know what the experience is like going to a playoff game at Miller Park, since none of you reading this have experienced it in 26 years?  Ask Todd Welter.  He tells you on The Llama Laments live from Miller Park.

5:29 p.m. 
Ueck delivered the first pitch on the field..

"Just a bit outside?" 

Nope, but a little low.

5:25 p.m.
Philadelphia's starters?
1) SS Jimmy Rollins
2) RF Jason Werth
3) 2B Chase Utley
4) 1B Ryan Howard
5) LF Pat Burrell
6) CF Shane Victorino
7) 3B Pedro Feliz
8) C Carlos Ruiz
9) P Jamie Moyer

5:20 p.m. 
The Brewers' starters tonight?  Lots of righty's versus lefty Jamie Moyer.
1) CF Mike Cameron
2) 3B Bill Hall
3) LF Ryan Braun
4) 1B Prince Fielder
5) SS J.J. Hardy
6) RF Corey Hart
7) 2B Rickie Weeks
8) C Jason Kendall
9) P Dave Bush

Game Two Blog

Top 9th

8:06 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Counsell: a high pop fly to left, and it's really stinky poopy to a 2-0 series count.  Fireworks go off in Philly.  Ugh.

8:06 p.m.  2 Out
Myers vs. Hart: first-pitch pop-up to 2nd.  More stinky poopy as Andi would say.

8:04 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Hardy: hit it hard but in the wrong spot, right to the left fielder.  Ugh.  As Andi Miller on 620WTMJ traffic says, "stinky poopy."

Bottom 8th

8:00 p.m.  3 Out
Torres vs. Utley: swingandamiss on a change-up.  Uh oh, Myers gets ready in the pen.

7:59 p.m.  2 Out
Torres vs. Victorino: FINALLY!  An easy pop-up near the mound...whoa....scramble for it...Counsell sprints in to get it.

7:55 p.m.  1 Out
Torres vs. Victorino, the thorn in the Brewers' side all night: he won't get a guy in scoring position as Kendall throws down Rollins.

7:51 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Torres vs. Rollins: more depression impending, as Rollins gets to first with a base hit to right.

Top 8th

7:49 p.m.  3 Out
J.C. Romero vs. Fielder: OK, Princey!  You are 0-6 in this series.  This is your time, man. 

A broken-bat grounder who glove-hand throws it to Howard to end the threat.  Oh, the power of hummus does nothing.

7:46 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Madson vs. Braun: a long looping base hit down the left field line.  A couple runners?  That's rare.  Tying run coming up, folks.

7:44 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Madson vs. Durham: slow bouncer for a fielders choice at 2nd, but they don't get Durham.  Just as bad as a strikeout.

7:43 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Madson vs. Cameron: pop fly caught by Pedro Feliz from short.

7:41 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Ryan Madson vs. Weeks: slow grounder to short, Rollins bobbles, and Weeks gets on.  A start of something?

Bottom 7th

7:36 p.m.  3 Out
Gagne vs. Greg Dobbs: swingandamiss K to end it.  A rare one-two-three

7:34 p.m.  2 Out
Gagne vs. Ruiz: high fly and Hart takes it 15 feet from the wall.

7:31 p.m.  1 Out
Gagne vs. Feliz: after what Powell called a rendition of "God Bless America" that he apparently didn't like, that extended way long, a grounder to Hardy who stabs it while diving, then throws from his knees for a highlight-reel out.

Top 7th

7:27 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Kendall: a slow tapper to 2nd to end a semi-productive but still depressing inning in the end.

7:25 p.m.  2 Out
Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 2
Myers vs. Counsell: working it to 3-1, getting a grounder to 2nd, but at least a run finally comes in.

7:24 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 3rd
Myers vs. Hart: a looping out to right, again stinking it up, but at least Hardy advances to 3rd with more hustle.

7:21 p.m.  Runner on 2nd
Myers vs. Hardy: we need something and pronto, boys.  I'm officially begging on my knees, ankles.  One hit so far?  Pathetic.

Myers is only on his 81st pitch?  Really bad, when Sabathia was doing that half a game ago.

Finally a hit!  A shot down the left field line that Hardy hustles into a double.

Bottom 6th

7:17 p.m.  3 Out
McClung vs. Werth: fly to shallow center and Cameron lopes in to snag it.

7:14 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
McClung vs. Burrell: while Uecker talks about doing things with sharp objects, a sharp strike on the outside corner gets some BIG help to Brewers fans who need a lift.

7:13 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
McClung vs. Howard: an intentional pass.  Eeeeenteresting move.

7:11 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
McClung vs. Utley: liner to right and Hart catches it without moving.  A bad throw, but Victorino can't advance.  Still, what is with these guys???

7:09 p.m.  Runner on 2nd 
McClung vs. Victorino: going lefty, and Cameron lets another ball deflect off his glove for a double.  If he had extended a little better, it's an out.  An error in effort that's not technically an error.

Top 6th

7:06 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Fielder: bouncer to 2nd again.  Too easy.  Way too easy.

7:05 p.m.  2 Out
Myers vs. Braun: bouncer slow along 3rd and Ruiz gets it after it rolls 10 feet to throw him out.  Bats have to do more, guys.

7:03 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Durham: an easy play at 2nd.  11 outs left

Bottom 5th

7:00 p.m.  3 Out
McClung vs. Rollins: THANK YOU PRINCE FIELDER for catching a 200mph laser coming right at you and saving our butts.

6:59 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded.
McClung vs. Myers, who gets a standing ovation: a drive to right for a base hit, but the outfielers were up and held everyone.  Maddux chats with McClung.

6:56 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
McClung vs. Ruiz: a low pitch walks him.  Again, it's scary.

6:55 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
McClung vs. Feliz: a 1st-pitch pop-up to Durham.  A rare nice-and-easy out.

6:54 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
McClung vs. Werth: in front of the largest crowd ever at Citizens' Bank Park, a bouncer to third who fires to Fielder and nearly stretched him into Inspector Gadget as he moved to dig out the grounder.

6:50 p.m.  Runner on 1st
McClung vs. Burrell: can the relief save the Brewers by shutting down the Phils bats while Milwaukee mounts a comeback?  Not when there's a leadoff walk with a pitch that's headed toward Burrell's head.

Top 5th

6:49 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Cameron: a first-pitch pop-up to Rollins.  Eeeeek.

6:46 p.m.  2 Out
Myers vs. Gwynn, Jr.: working it to 3-2, he whiffs on strike three with a killer curve ball.

6:42 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Kendall: time to get even a little run production out of you guys.  Not this time - Rollins scoops up a slow bouncer toward the 2nd bag for an out.

Bottom 4th

6:39 p.m.  3 Out
Stetter vs. Howard: check swing strike three!   Phew.

6:36 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded 
Sabathia vs. Utley: ball four in the dirt, bases loaded, and Sveum takes him out - the lefty, Mitch Stetter, vs. Ryan Howard.  I'm very scared.

6:33 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 2nd and 3rd
Sabathia vs. Utley: lefty vs. lefty and had it not been a foul ball on 0-0, it's an easy double steal.  What is going on?? 

On 2-1, Sabathia, who is winding SUPER slow, lets the runners go to 2nd and 3rd again.

6:31 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Sabathia vs. Victorino: an intentional walk.  CC's above 90 pitches and the chicken dance plays.  Sveum comes out to chat with Sabathia, looks into his eyes, wondering if he can get one more out...and he stays with him.  Please don't tell me this is Pedro Martinez in Game 7 against the Yanks.  Pwetty pweeze!!

6:28 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Sabathia vs. Rollins: another 3-0 count...then another extra base hit off the left field fence.  The 5th double tonight...watch, Rollins goes to 3rd on an uncontested steal.

620WTMJ's Todd "The Llama" Welter gives his thoughts on the events so far.

6:25 p.m.  2 Out
Sabathia vs. Myers: CC gets a little more into a groove right now, and on a 1-2 pitch, a fan in the first row leaned out and grabbed a foul ball right off the dirt. 

More applause for continual foul-offs of Sabathia pitches on 1-2.  A too-high pitch for 2-2, then another two foul-aways.  It sounds like "OLE!!" at a flamenco dance concert.

Then missing the outside corner on 3-2, on his 83rd pitch with the bullpen working with two guys...a fly ball to center - routine to Cameron.  Still, a standing O.

6:23 p.m.  1 Out
Sabathia vs. Ruiz: CC is going to have to run on guts tonight, though in the playoffs with a day off tomorrow, I wouldn't mind a quick hook on him if he continues to fail.

Sabathia grabs the squibbing bunt hit, and he barehanded it to first for the out while flopping and causing an earthquake within 10 miles.  (Only kidding, CC.)

Top 4th

6:21 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Counsell: weak grounder to 2nd for the out.  Hans and Franz would call it girly-man out.

6:19 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Myers vs. Hart: with towels waving at 0-2, a pitch nails him in the back.  That might be the only way he gets on base in this series at his pace right now.

6:19 p.m.  2 Out
Myers vs. Hardy: another pop-up...foul territory...Howard easy catch.  Ugh.

6:17 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Fielder: easy grounder to 2nd because Utley had shifted toward the line on the Fielder shift.

Bottom 3rd

6:14 p.m.  3 Out
Sabathia vs. Feliz: now into the 70's on the pitch count, he gets a BIG K.

6:12 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 3rd
Sabathia vs. Feliz: ANOTHER uncontested steal, this one by Wertz.  Sabathia's windup is insanely slow.

6:10 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Sabathia vs. Wertz: shot to the gap in left center, another double.  CC simply doesn't have it.

6:08 p.m.  2 Out
Sabathia vs. Burrell: a LOT of hard-hit balls, even the foul ones.  This is not the same CC we've seen dominate all year.  But this time, it's a high pop-up and Corey Hart comes in to catch it.

6:05 p.m.  1 Out
Sabathia vs. Howard: starting the at bat at 51 pitches, CC goes 3-0 again before a strike and a foul get it full.  Then, a beautiful slider gets him.  Big confidence builder.

Top 3rd

6:02 p.m.  3 Out 
Myers vs. Braun: high pop-up and Ruiz tracks behind the plate to catch it.  Three up and down.  Not a good momentum-changing inning.

6:00 p.m.  2 Out 
Myers vs. Durham: a high strike makes it 3-2 though Durham pulls back like it might have hit him.  Then, a swinging K on a hanging slider.

5:56 p.m.  1 Out 
Myers vs. Cameron: while twilight descends on Philadelphia, the spirits of Brewers fans are descending.  Come on, Hammerin' Cameron, do something to help!!

What does he do?  Pop-up.  Higher than the William Penn statue at city hall, and it's an out behind the mound.

McClung stopped throwing in the bullpen.  CC's staying in it.

Bottom 2nd

5:55 p.m.  3 Out
Sabathia vs. Utley: a swingandamiss K that was one batter too late.

5:51 p.m.  2 Out
Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 1
Sabathia vs. Victorino: finally, after nine straight balls, a strike.  McClung is working the bullpen right now.  Then a bomb to left and a granny for Victorino.  Ugh.

5:49 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded
Sabathia vs. Rollins: CC's frustrated.  You can tell...four straight balls.  He's not himself.  Folks, this isn't three days rest talking.  This is just frustration.

Five balls.  I'm REALLY scared if our best pitcher, maybe the best in baseball, is having trouble.  He's at 43 pitches after two innings.

A four pitch walk?  Come on!!!!

5:45 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 3rd
Sabathia vs. Myers: the 4-for-58-at-the-plate Myers gets a tough foul ball and the fans applaud him.  They boo Santa, but loudly thank Myers for a foul-off?  Weird.  Two foul-offs  bringing huge screams and a standing ovation!  What is this?

He works it to a full count and it's nutso crazy in the Bank.  A third foul-off and the volume meter is 105 or so.  If he hits a homer, it will get scary.

He walked him.  CC!!!!   Are you asking for it tonight?  He thinks so himself.

5:43 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 3rd
Sabathia vs. Ruiz: after going 0-2, bouncer to 1st and Fielder takes it unassisted, while Feliz advances.

5:41 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Milwaukee 1, Philadelphia 1
Sabathia vs. Feliz: fair down the left field line and it's a tie game.  It bounded off the side seats into left field.  That was a down-the-middle pitch.

5:39 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Sabathia vs. Werth (interesting to see him switched to 6th from 2nd): liner to left center in the gap, but Cameron cuts it off....still the throw isn't in time to stop Werth from getting to 2nd.  Pitching from trouble again, CC.  Not good.

5:36 p.m.  1 Out
Sabathia vs. Burrell: uh oh...long but not long enough, and Braun gets it in left.

Top 2nd

5:34 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Sabathia: a high pop-up about 350 feet away and Burrell grabs it in left-center.  Too easy of an inning.

5:33 p.m.  2 Out
Myers vs. Kendall: launched to the right-center gap, but Werth is worthy for the catch.  (Bad pun, I know.)

5:30 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Counsell: the guy with the most pre-swing bat spin in human history (the batting stance impersonator would tell you) K's on a check swing with a Myers curve.

Bottom 1st Inning

5:27 p.m.  3 Out
Sabathia vs. Howard: the best against the best...Sabathia gets it to 0-2 on an outside corner strike, though Howard shakes his head.

Then, SWINGANDAMISS with a beautiful curve. 

5:25 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 3rd
Sabathia vs. Utley: nice change-up on a 79mph pull the string to get to 2-2.  Then, 96mph cheese flashes past for strike three.

5:24 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 3rd
Sabathia vs. Utley: Victorino does something that's rare on Kendall - a steal of 3rd base.  Kendall is arguing about the pitch.

5:21 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Sabathia vs. Victorino: CC is throwing very quickly but with relative ease, as Ueck describes it.  But then Victorino hits one down the line, hitting the 3rd base and giving him a freak double.

5:20 p.m.  1 Out
Sabathia vs. Rollins: OK, master of your domain, bring it!  He induces Rollins to bounce to short where Hardy throws him out.

Top 1st Inning

5:17 p.m.  3 Out
Myers vs. Hart: I won't say what someone in our newsroom just called Corey Hart after the 1-2-3 DP he just hit into.

5:14 p.m.  1 out, bases loaded
Milwaukee 1, Philadelphia 0
Myers vs. Hardy: another 3-0 count.  Myers is nervous like a cat.  He walked him!

5:13 p.m.  1 Out, bases loaded
Myers vs. Fielder.  Intentional walk.  SCARDEY-CAT!!!!

5:11 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 2nd and 3rd
Myers vs. Braun: with the crowd deep shot.....way back...off the wall and Durham lopes into 3rd...Braun with a double.  Could Durham have scored had he gone full speed?

5:10 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Myers vs. Durham: he works it smartly to 3-0 and on four straight, he walks the step-slower-than-a-sprinter Durham.

5:07 p.m.  1 Out
Myers vs. Cameron: we're underway and Cameron stared at three strikes going right past him.  Seems like he needs some of my 32-ounce coffee drink to wake up.

The Brew Crew is clad in their grey uniforms today - more like a true road game.  I wish they used their old '82 road uniforms as an alternate.

It's a sunny day, temps in the 60's, winds going left to right - an advantage today for the Brew Crew with a more lefty lineup than last time.

Pregame

4:59 p.m. 
Brewers' lineup:
CF Cameron
2B Durham - Thank you, Sveum, for taking Weeks out!!!
LF Braun
1B Fielder
SS Hardy
RF Hart - This guy had better produce.
3B Counsell - I LOVE this move.  A guy who can produce runs on his own, can manufacture.
C Kendall
P Sabathia

6:51 a.m. 
Today, the sun has come out in Philadelphia. 

 The sun shining brings hope, and so does CC Sabathia on the mound in the most must-win game the Brewers have faced since, well, Sunday against the Cubs. 

He has a heck of a matchup in Brett Myers, and the Brewers' playoff lives probably depend on winning this game.

There's no better man in the sport, perhaps, to pin that pressure on than Mr. Sabathia, considering his 11-2 and 1.65 ERA in Milwaukee.  (It amazes me that he was 6-8 in Cleveland this year.)

CC, however, isn't the only pitcher who proves he can perform under pressure. Five Brewers pitchers, including starter Yovani Gallardo, didn't allow any earned runs in the Game 1 defeat.

"They battled," said Melvin during Brewers 360 on Wisconsin's Morning News.

"They stayed in the ballgame. Our pitching was outstanding."

What was not outstanding was a pair of defensive mistakes in the third inning: a throw after a ground ball that Rickie Weeks failed to catch while covering first base, and a fly ball that slipped out of Mike Cameron's glove in center field.

"The wind came up there quick and it took a little different route with the ball. It was a tough play. The play in the infield was a little easier to make and we didn't make it.

"In the end, it cost us the ballgame."

It also negated, despite five Gallardo walks, a tremendous pitching performance. Beyond Gallardo, in just his second start since a knee injury, Brewers relievers Mitch Stetter, Carlos Villanueva, Manny Parra and Guillermo Mota shut out the Phillies for four innings.

"I was proud of our pitching staff and what they did," said Melvin.

Nevertheless, the Brewers' bats have to wake up. 

After his marevelous two-hit performance on the mound, Phillies starter Cole Hamels made the point that the Brewers are very aggressive at the plate, and he took advantage of it by throwing first-pitch strikes.

Nevertheless, the Brewers' bats have to wake up after slumbering in the first contest. 

After his marevelous two-hit performance on the mound, Phillies starter Cole Hamels made the point that the Brewers are very aggressive at the plate, and he took advantage of it by throwing first-pitch strikes, getting the Brewers into holes they didn't dig out of.

More plate discipline is required by Milwaukee's batters in order to win this series, and they'll need it against Myers.

Though they almost got to reliever Brad Lidge, who now is 42 saves in 42 appearances this year, they realize that scoring runs early is critical.

"We're just going to have to get some runs early," explains Melvin. "It's something we've struggled with the second half of the year: scoring runs early. This may be a chance to just relax a little bit."

Top 9th Inning

4:44 p.m.  3 Out
Lidge vs. Corey Hart: Never surrenduh-uh...never surrenduh-uh....

A low pitch gets past Ruiz to let runners get to 2nd and 3rd.  Two guys in scoring position, Corey!  Never surrenduh-uh....

With 45,000+ screaming, waving towels, etc., a swing and a miss right down Broad Street ends it.

4:42 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Lidge vs. Hardy: come on, J.J.  Make more than the female base of your fans happy this at bat.  Please?

An in-the-dirt throw goes 3-1.  Let's go, J.J., swing at this puppy and park it!

Maybe not, but a walk is nice, too.  :)

4:37 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Lidge vs. Fielder: pretty please, Prince, plaster a pitch into Philly's south side neighborhoods!  Please....

Fielder fights over 23,019 foul balls before it goes 3-2.  This at bat has gone five minutes!  Please....

Swing...and...a....miss.  Ugh.  He chased ball four.

4:34 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 2nd
Philadelphia 3, Milwaukee 1  
Lidge vs. Braun: deep shot to right field and a fair ball!  Durham rounds third, but holds there, but it gets past Utley and Durham sprints home!

4:32 p.m.  1 Out, runner at 1st
Lidge vs. Ray Durham: liner to base hit in right center, just past a leaping Utley at 2nd.  Some heckler yells "the Brewers still suck!!!!" right over Uecker's call.  Way to represent the cradle of America, buddy!

4:29 p.m.  1 Out
Lidge vs. Cameron: Hammer worked out of an 0-2 count before getting punched out looking like Mike Tyson against Michael Spinks.

Bottom 8th Inning

4:25 p.m.  3 Out
Mota vs. Feliz: a foul ball nearly hit Howard at 3rd base.  If I wasn't as kind of a person (meaning if the Jesuits hadn't gotten to me back in college), I would wish it had hit Howard and taken him out.

A broken bat pop-up flutters and carries until Counsell gets to it to end the inning. 

Pray for a miracle against Brad Lidge (41-41 in save opportunities.)

4:22 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 2nd and 3rd
Mota vs. Feliz: Victorino steals 2nd without any contesting by the usually tough-to-throw-on Jason Kendall.

4:18 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 3rd
Parra vs. Victorino: bounced to Counsell at 2nd - great off-hand throw to Hardy at 2nd, but Victorino beat the throw to 1st.  Sveum replaces Parra with Mota.

4:17 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Parra vs. Bruntlett: Hardy makes a diving stab on the hard grounder to short, but couldn't get a handle on the ball to make the throw.  That ugly thought remains in my head that this game may be about to get blown even wider.

4:15 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Parra vs. Howard: a walk to possibly start another big inning???  Get out of my head, bad thought.

4:12 p.m.  1 Out
Manny Parra vs. Utley. easy bouncer to 1st to start the inning.  Too late for easy.

Top 8th Inning

4:09 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Counsell: I'm sick of saying this: 1-2-3 inning for Philly after a slow bouncer to 3rd.

4:06 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Kendall: as 45,929, the 2nd largest crowd ever at "The Bank," watch, Kendall swings and misses on what seems like Hamels' 214th strikeout using the change-up.

4:04 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Gwynn, Jr.: a first base side bunt that Chase Utley grasps and somehow gets it with a glove-hand throw  to Howard for the out against the Speedy Gonzalez-like Gwynn.

Bottom 7th Inning

4:01 p.m.  3 Out
Villanueva vs. Werth: as Manny Parra warms up, his third K of the inning, and boos come down with a team leading by three.  Tells you what Philly fans are like.

3:59 p.m.  2 Out
Villanueva vs. Rollins: a beautiful swinging K.  Six in a row - should he have started?  He'll lead off the 8th if there's not a sub for him.

3:58 p.m.  1 Out
Villanueva vs. Hamels: with a slight shower coming through, swingandamiss K, but the fans still give Hamels an ovation.

Top 7th Inning

3:54 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Hart: too routine of a fly to center.  Too routine of an inning for Hamels.  Ugh.

3:53 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Hardy: with the outfield set to pull, Hardy smashes to 3rd where Feliz had to go on all fours to snag the grounder, pop back up and make a great throw to get Hardy.  That's called bad luck for 2 straight at bats.

3:52 p.m.  1 Out 
Hamels vs. Fielder: chopper up the line, but Howard made a great grab on an in-between bounce to get Veggie Fielder.

Bottom 6th Inning

3:49 p.m.  3 Out
Villanueva vs. Ruiz: shot to 3rd where Hall bobbles but catches the grounder in mid-air and easily throws out Ruiz, who runs slower than Gilbert Brown in a marathon.

3:47 p.m.  2 Out
Villanueva vs. Feliz: another right-center field fly, this to Cameron, 380 feet away.  Just don't follow the 30-foot per at-bat pattern on these flyouts anymore, please?

3:47 p.m.  1 Out
Villanueva vs. Victorino: pop fly to Hart at the 350 foot mark in right.  No problema.

Top 6th Inning

3:43 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Braun: a first-pitch pop-up to 2nd base that proves the Brewers cannot drive in runs when they don't hit home runs.  No one will probably hit a homer on Hamels today.

3:41 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Hamels vs. Hall: he made Hall chase the third strike with a curve bigger than my old protractor in high school.

3:38 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Hamels vs. Cameron: after Hamels uncharacteristically goes 3-0, a high and outside pitch gets Cameron a free pass.

3:38 p.m.  1 Out, runner on 1st
Hamels vs. Counsell (these guys have to get something in the next few innings): base hit that loops into right field.

3:35 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Kendall: another swinging K to increase the wind off the Delaware river.

Bottom 5th Inning

3:32 p.m.  3 Out
Villanueva vs. Burrell: hi drive to Braun who catches it after four steps to the right.

3:27 p.m.  2 Out
Stetter vs. Howard: on a 3-2 to the best home run hitter in the NL, a swinging K!  Great job.  Kyle, your point is very well taken.  Now, there's a double switch - Counsell at 2nd for Weeks, Villanueva for Stetter.

3:24 p.m.   1 Out 
Mitch Stetter (huh?  why not the more proven Villanueva in long relief?) vs Utley: slow grounder to Hall who comes across and fires it for the out.

A great explanation for Stetter in the game was given to me by Kyle Dlabay - the pitcher's spot is set to come in.  In addition, no other replacement was brought in for a double switch.

Top 5th Inning

3:21 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Weeks: after taking a strike on the outside corner and having the stadium wave the hankies again, Weeks fought to stay alive before a check swing K.  Ugh.

3:19 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st.
Hamels vs. Hart: shot to right field thankfull ends Hamels' perfection.  Like a great philosopher once said: a journey of 1,000 Philly Cheese Steaks begins with a single bite.

3:18 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Hardy: bouncer to short and Rollins scoops it to get Hardy on one bounce.  14 up, 14 down.  I'm getting annoyed.

3:15 p.m.  1 Out
The so-far perfect Hamels (I'm sick of saying "perfect through" against any Brewers team) vs. Fielder: swinging K on another off-speed curve.  13 up, 13 down.

Bottom 4th Inning

3:11 p.m.  3 Out
Gallardo vs. Werth: high pop-up higher than the top of Philly's city hall, but Fielder takes it.

3:09 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Gallardo vs. Rollins: now past 70 pitches, but no bullpen working, a liner one-hopping to Corey Hart means a base hit.  Villanueva gets working again.

3:07 p.m.  2 Out
Gallardo vs. Hamels: low curve gets Hamels on a swinging K.

3:06 p.m.  1 Out
Gallardo vs. Ruiz: on his 63rd pitch, it's a bunt in the air to Gallardo.  He needs easy outs like that after the previous inning..

Top 4th Inning

3:03 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Braun: as a pall continues to set over the stadium - and the Brewers' psyche, Braun sends a 350 foot out to left field.

3:02 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Hall: hi one-hopper right to Howard who saunters to the bag for the out.

3:01 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Cameron: routine broken-bat turned into an out by the 2nd baseman.

Bottom 3rd Inning

2:58 p.m.  3 Out
Gallardo vs. Feliz: deep fly to center and Cameron tracks back to get it 20 feet from the wall.

2:56 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded
Philadelphia 3, Milwaukee 0
Gallardo vs. Victorino: as all of Milwaukee gets tense seeing Gallardo pitch from behind in the count and Villanueva warms up in the pen, he walks in a run.

2:52 p.m.  2 Out, bases loaded
Gallardo vs. Burrell: as white hankies wave in Philly on a 3-2 count, a low ball four nearly hits the dirt.  Kendall and Coach Maddux conference on the mound.

2:51 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Gallardo vs. Howard: an intentional walk.  I'd definitely do that too, to get the force at any base.

2:47 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 2nd
Philadelphia 2, Milwaukee 0
Gallardo vs. Utley: line drive down the left field line was six feet from being two runs scored.  The a long drive to center and Cameron caught, then dropped it.  It slipped out of his glove as he went backwards to get it.  Two runs score.

2:45 p.m.  2 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Gallardo vs .Werth: after a great heater on 2-2, a BEAUTIFUL high cheese fastball gets Werth for a HUGE K.

2:44 p.m.  1 Out, runners on 1st and 2nd
Gallardo vs. Rollins: Braun is forced to sprint to the left field line before taking it in.

2:43 p.m.  Runners on 1st and 2nd
Gallardo vs. Hamels: Hall bobbles Hamels' bunt and throws to Weeks who should have gotten it easily, but he simply booted the catch.  E4.

2:41 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Gallardo vs. Ruiz: a breaking ball lines right to center for a base hit - the first hit for either team.

Top 3rd Inning

2:39 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Gallardo: 620WTMJ producer Armen says that Gallardo will hit a homer.  Had the wind not caught and killed the long drive, it would have been.  Sorry, Armen.  Mother Nature doesn't like you.

2:37 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Kendall: another high pop-up, and Victorino is the victor between himself and Wertz in getting the fly ball.

The winds are moving heavily left to right in this fast drenching, which against a lefthanded pitcher with righty batters isn't the best.

2:35 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Weeks: as rain continues to fall, the weaklings normally sitting out in the open near home plate have sprinted under cover, leaving a bunch of people impersonating blue chairs behind Weeks batting.  You can tell it's a playoff game, because every time it's two strikes, the fans scream much louder, like the ninth inning. 

Weeks fans, so it's the fourth K for Hamels and an increase in wind at the stadium.

Bottom 2nd Inning

2:31 p.m.  3 Out
Gallardo vs. Feliz: another low pitch gets called a strike - at least the ump's bad calls on strikes are fair.  Feliz then hits to Hardy for a fielder's choice.

2:30 p.m.  2 Out, runner on 1st
Gallardo vs. Victorino (I wonder if he has a relative named Victor): a way-high pitch walks him.

2:29 p.m.  2 Out
Gallardo vs. Burrell: the boos fall down after a 6-3 DP with Hardy taking care of things solo..

2:26 p.m.  Runner on 1st
Gallardo vs. Howard: while rain falls, wind picks up and skies darken, fans quickly move to their umbrellas and block everyone's view, which will, I'm sure, prompt more boos and fights in the stands.  Brewers fans boo Gallardo's outside pitch to Howard, allowing a walk.

Top 2nd Inning

2:24 p.m.  3 Out
Hamels vs. Hart: a backhanded stop by Utley and a great throw to 1st, though I'm not too sure if Howard was on the bag.

2:23 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Hardy: another pop fly to center...Victorino takes it, looking stylish in the cream uni's with blue hats.  Won't looking sad be fashionable after this series?

2:21 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Fielder: as lightning becomes visible past right field - don't tell me we'll have rain!!! - lightning moves past Fielder on the third strike....or more off-speed off-the-table stuff.

Bottom 1st Inning

2:18 p.m.  3 Out
Gallardo vs. Utley: smashed right at Fielder, who snags it like a world class hockey goalie taking a slap shot.

2:18 p.m.  2 Out
Gallardo vs. Werth: K thanks to Kendall hanging on to a foul tip off some high cheese whiz.  (Don't mind the Philly theme with my terminology, do you?)

2:17 p.m.  1 Out  
Gallardo vs. Rollins: a shot to 2nd where Weeks went backhand and stabbed a bad hop, spinned and threw to Fielder.  Picturesque.

Top 1st Inning

2:10 p.m.  3 Out 
Hamels vs. Braun: after a chorus of boos - Philly cheers, I guess - the ump lets a pitch at Braun's ankles get called for strike one.  That gets Braun swinging when he knows the strike zone goes to Delaware, and it's strike two.  Another low pitch turns into a swing and a miss.

2:09 p.m.  2 Out
Hamels vs. Hall: a high pop-up and a triangle of defenders converge until Rollins gets under it for out two.

2:07 p.m.  1 Out
Hamels vs. Cameron: he's getting fooled by Hamels' off-speed pitches.  On 3-2, a swinging K on another change-up.

Pregame

1:59 p.m.
Brewers' lineup:
CF Cameron
3B Hall
LF Braun
1B Fielder
SS Hardy
RF Hart
2B Weeks
C Kendall
P Gallardo

1:50 p.m.
Doug Melvin on Brewers Gameday: "We shouldn't be satisfied by just getting to the postseason, we should go after it and do whatever it takes to win it all."

Beautiful sentiment.  :)

1:22 p.m.
After my symbolic representation of my wishes of today's game - devouring a Philly (cheese steak) - my thoughts are similar to those of Gord Ash, the Brewers' assistant GM/keeper of all things Canadian in Milwaukee.  He made a great point that I heard today - Gallardo probably won't have to start again in these playoffs.  That means the Brewers can extend him long (as long as he's effective).

The good news if they can't - Dave Bush probably could give a reasonable amount of innings, then pitch Sunday on three days rest if he has to (with a quick hook replaced by Gallardo).

Just like the old blog I put together - the idea of the "double starting rotation."

Pregame Story

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Dale Sveum and the Milwaukee Brewers are hoping this trip to Philly works out better than their last time in the city.

Milwaukee was swept by the Phillies in a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park last month and manager Ned Yost was fired the next day. Two weeks later, the wild-card winners are back and Sveum is filling out the lineup card.

"We learned yet again we were able to deal with adversity," left fielder Ryan Braun said. "The end of that series was about as low as we got as a team."

The Phillies trailed the Brewers by four games in the wild-card standings, and capped the surprising series with a day-night doubleheader sweep. Yost was fired Sept. 15 and Sveum took over for his friend.

"It wasn't a very pleasant experience, but obviously my life changed the next morning," Sveum said. "It's definitely been a whirlwind."

After a 1-4 start under Sveum, the Brewers finished 6-1 and clinched their first postseason berth since 1982 with a win in the last game of the season.

"I have a lot of responsibilities now, not just sending guys home and stopping guys and positioning infielders," Sveum said. "But it's something I've prepared for since I got done playing."

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel doesn't expect this series to be won as easily as their last matchup.

"I think at that time they weren't hitting the ball real good. They were having problems," Manuel said. "At the same time, I look at how we pitched and we did a good job."

While the Phillies are 5-1 against the Brewers this season, they haven't faced Game 1 starter Yovani Gallardo or Game 2 starter CC Sabathia this year.

"He's a good pitcher," Manuel said of Sabathia, "but I feel like we still have a chance to score some runs on him."

CALM COLE: Phillies Game 1 starter Cole Hamels is still looking for that first postseason win. What he doesn't need is another case of the playoff jitters.

Hamels, who went 14-10 this season, believes he'll be more calm on the mound the second time around the playoffs.

"I have playoff experience checked off next to my name," Hamels said. "I don't know, for some odd reason, being able to experience something for the very first time, there's a lot of nerves because of the unexpected. You just have to really go out there and treat it as something that's not as foreign as it was last year."

Hamels allowed three earned runs in 6 2-3 innings in last year's opener, which Colorado won 4-2.

Hamels hasn't pitched in eight days. The lefty was scheduled to pitch in Sunday's season finale if the Phillies were still fighting for a playoff spot. Once the Phillies clinched the NL East on Saturday night, Hamels was given the day off.

"I definitely had to change it up a little bit with the extra days of rest," Hamels said.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)