>>>I actually thought Victorino's steal in the first was the most important offensive play of the game. It made Utley's fly ball productive and getting that first run on the board was really important, given the mixed hitting record of this team.
>>>
>>>I agree, that was a key moment as well. But when the bottom of the lineup can play small ball, turn the lineup over, and get back to the top of the lineup, that can crush the opposition - especially with Doc on the mound. (Though, as it turned out, Doc only needed 1 run).
>>>
>>>Tonight's game was an odd one - but once again shows why getting home field is so important. Citizens Bank has become a House of Pain for visiting clubs.
>>
>>Especially clubs that make four errors and walk in a run to squander a 4-0 lead. The Reds, Rays, and Twins have all been very disappointing in the playoffs so far. The last two lost the first two games at home and are as good as dead. I never thought the Reds were going to beat the Phillies but I thought they would put up more of a fight than this.
>
>Well, all the Reds have to do now is to beat Hamels, Halladay and Oswalt in succession and they're in. ;)

And Hamels is only 6-0 lifetime with 1.07 ERA against the Reds, including once striking out 15. OTOH, this team is significantly better than previous incarnations.

Tamar