Year In Review: NLCS

The Phillies moved on to the second round of postseason play, the National League Championship series, seeking a pennant for the first time since 1993. To win it, they would have to beat Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During the 2008 regular season, the Dodgers and Phillies split the season series 4 games a piece, each sweeping on their home turf. The Phillies came into the NLCS with a home field advantage.

In game one, Cole Hamels and Derek Lowe were controlled the game. But all it took was one error.

Shane Victorino reached on a throwing error by Rafael Furcal. Although Lowe later said it didn't effect him, he gave up a 2 run home run to Chase Utley to tie the game. Pat Burrell hit a go ahead solo home run to capture a Phillies win.

Emotions varied the day of game 2. Charlie Manuel had lost his mother prior to the game, and Victorino found out his grandmother passed away after the game.

Brett Myers, the self proclaimed terrible hitter who batted just .067 during the regular season, went 3-3 in game 2. Victorino chipped in with 4 RBI and a game saving catch as the Phillies went on to beat the Dodgers 8-5.

On their way to L.A, the Phillies had a 2-0 series lead. The Dodgers took game 3, and tempers flared. Hiroki Kuroda threw at Victorino's head, and Shane made it be known where not to throw. Benches cleared, but the series continued.

The home team had their ways with these two teams. It looked like it would continue through game 4 with Phillies sloppy play and a Ryan Howard error, and a 5-3 Dodger lead. However, Victorino continued to hurt his former team. A 2 run home run tied the game, and it was time for the hero to evolve. Kirk Gibson? Not quite. Matthew Wade Stairs.

Everybody knows Stairs has one thing on his mind: home run. Everybody, but maybe Jonathan Broxton, who couldn't get the fastball by him. Stairs smoked a home run, that still has not landed yet. The away team finally managed a win on the opponent's field. A 7-5 dramatic, Phillies come from behind win.

One more win, and the Phillies were in. There was deja vu as Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, much like he did in the NLDS. With the help of 2 more errors by Furcal, the Phillies cruised to a 5-1 win behind ace, and series MVP, Cole Hamels.

Bill Giles presented the Warren Giles trophy to himself. The Phillies were headed to the World Series, to take on the Rays of Tampa Bay.