Thanks to three-run homers by both Raul Ibanez and Carlos Ruiz, the Philadelphia Phillies have taken a 1-0 lead in the NLCS. The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be rallying toward a win but they fell short and lost by a final count of 8-6.
After James Loney hit a solo shot in the second inning, the Phillies responded by putting up five runs in the fifth. Three of the runs came on the Ruiz homer, while Ryan Howard added a two-run double. The Dodgers were able to close the gap to 5-4 but then Ibanez authored his three-run blast in …read more

Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion. The Philadelphia Phillies proved that saying correct one more time on Sunday night. Although the Phillies got down early 3-1 against the Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia kept battling and ended up with a 6-5 victory.
With the game tied 5-5 in the top of the ninth, Ryan Howard hit a sacrifice fly to score Jimmy Rollins. In the bottom of the ninth, Phillies fans had to pray. Brad Lidge, Philadelphia’s closer who had a 7.21 ERA and an 0-8 record in the regular season, was able to record the save despite giving up a …read more

Brad Lidge, the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, is set to return this week. He’s currently on the disabled list due to an injury to his right knee.
Prior to his return, Lidge will make one final minor league appearance. Reports have him being activated on either Wednesday or Friday.
Last season, Lidge was amazing. He had 48 save opportunities and converted on all 48. This season, Lidge hasn’t been nearly as dominant.
In 28 games, the 6-foot-5 reliever has a 7.27 ERA and has allowed 33 hits and 14 walks in 26 innings of work. He’s also allowed seven homers and has …read more

Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, the New York Yankees trailed the defending World Series champions 4-2. The Philadelphia Phillies then put Brad Lidge on the mound to close out the deal. Not so fast.
Alex Rodriguez, who was hitless in his first three at-bats of the game, hit a two-run homer to tie the game. A few batters later, Melky Cabrera connected on a game-winning hit to send the Yankees to win another walk-off victory.
With the win, New York has now won 10 out of their last 11 ballgames. They are 25-18 on the year and 14-8 in …read more

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants was named the winner of the 2008 National League Cy Young Award. The 24-year-old right-hander proved during the 2008 campaign why he’s regarded as one of the best young pitchers in Major League Baseball.
On the season, Lincecum went 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA. He also struck out 265 batters in 227 innings pitched. Throw in a WHIP of 1.17 and it’s no wonder how Lincecum was able to win the NL Cy Young Award.
Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks finished second and Johan Santana of the New York Mets finished third, while Brad …read more

Harry Kalas, the legendary voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, had a fantasy call as the Phillies took home the 2008 World Series. You can hear the Harry Kalas call on the video at the end of the entry.
What’s also noteworthy and quite comical is the celebration going on in the booth as Kalas proclaims the Phillies the world champions of baseball after Brad Lidge struck out the final batter for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kalas began broadcasting in 1961 when he was a minor league broadcasting. He moved on to the Houston Astros in 1965 and then to the Phillies in …read more

Philadelphia hadn’t seen a champion since the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers. The wait can now end as the Philadelphia Phillies captured the 2008 World Series by beating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
This wacky Game 5 had actually started on Monday night. But after bad weather suspended the game until Tuesday and then suspended it again until Wednesday, the two teams were finally able to get back on the field.
With the score tied at 2-2 as the game started, the Phillies struck first in the 6th. Geoff Jenkins doubled and then scored on a Jayson Werth …read more

The Phillies did it!
What does it feel like to be a World Series champion? Ask the Philadelphia Phillies, who on Wednesday took home the 2008 World Series title. These Phillies are now the champions of baseball for the year of 2008 and no one can take that away from them.

Ryan Howard has now established himself in history.
You can see Phillies World Series celebration videos here:

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game was an epic contest — for those who kept their eyes open for the duration of the game. The 15 inning affair lasted past 1AM EST. Finally, Michael Young hit a winning sacrifice fly to score Justin Morneau. The American League All-Stars is now undefeated in their last 12 games against the National League All-Stars.
JD Drew was named the MVP of the game, in large part due to his game-tying two-run homer. Even though Albert Pujols was on his side, Brad Lidge gave up the winning sacrifice fly. Here …read more

Which closers have been perfect so far this season? Let’s take a look at the closer who currently have a 0.00 ERA.
CJ Wilson, Texas Rangers
CJ Wilson has five saves, eight innings pitched and a perfect ERA. While the rest of the bullpen hasn’t been great for the Rangers, Wilson has been lights out.
Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
The Twins have gotten great pitching out of their closer this year. Joe Nathan has six saves and has pitched seven shutout innings.
Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
The Royals have gotten great pitching from a number of their starters. Joakim Soria is …read more