Division Series: Day 2

Day two of the 2008 Division Series saw an American League team make its franchise playoff debut while over in the National League there was very little change from a day ago.

Phillies vs. Brewers
When you picture an at bat between Shane Victorino and CC Sabathia, logically you would think the overpowering left would have a big advantage; not on this day. Victorino knocked in four runs with one swing of the bat and added two doubles to help the Phillies to a 2-0 series lead. Sabathia, who was pitching on three days rest for the fourth consecutive start, lasted just 3.2 innings giving up five runs on six hits. Brett Myers had a solid outing for the Phillies allowing just two runs in seven innings of work helping Philly to the 5-2 victory.

Cubs vs. Dodgers
For the second day in a row Manny Ramirez hit a monster homerun and for the second day in a row the Dodgers cursed to victory, taking a 2-0 series lead heading back to Los Angeles. It was a sloppy game for the Cubs who committed four errors in the game; certainly not a performance you would expect from the team who finished the season with the best record in the National League. Of the ten runs allowed by Chicago pitching just five were earned. It is tough to give teams extra outs, particularly a team as good as LA and the Dodgers made them pay for their mistakes.

Rays vs. White Sox
Evan Longoria homered in his first two career playoff at bats and to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to victory in their first playoff game in the history of the franchise. After ten seasons in the American League basemen many wondered how the Rays would respond to their first taste of the playoff pressure. Just as have done all season when their ability was questioned, they answered their critics with a strong performance resulting in a 6-4 victory.