MLB Playoff Recap

Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2008 Major League Baseball playoffs. Three series got underway yesterday, let's take a look at what went down in each game.

Phillies vs Brewers
The Phillies hopped on the back of young lefty Cole Hamels (8.0 Innings, 2 Hits, 9 K's 1 Walk) and fought off a late surge by the Brewers to take a 3-1 victory yesterday in Philadelphia. Chase Utley started the scoring in the 3rd inning, hitting a double that scored 2. They tacked on an another run in the the same inning after a bases-loaded walk by Yovani Gallardo forced in Utley. The Brewers put together a late charge at the end, but were shut down by Brad Lidge who picked up the save.
Brett Myers takes on CC Sabathia in game 2.


Cubs vs Dodgers
After taking an early 2-0 lead, the Cubs looked to be in good position to shut the door early on the Dodgers. That lead didn't last long as James Loney hit a grand slam to centerfield, and LA rolled on from that point. Manny Ramirez hit a homerun in his postseason debut with the Dodgers, who won by the final score of 7-2. Derek Lowe went 6 innings, striking out six. Game two features Carlos Zambrano squaring off against Chad Billingsley in a great pitching matchup.


Red Sox vs Angles
After Josh Beckett was scratched from the game one start, Jon Lester was there to fill the void. The lefty looked strong against a potent Angles order, going 7 innings with 7 strikeouts and giving up 6 hits. LAA took an 1-0 lead in the 3rd, after a Jed Lowrie error extended the inning and let Torii Hunter drive in Garret Anderson. The Sox struck back in the 6th. Jason Bay, making his postseason debut, hit a 2 run homer, giving the Red Sox a 2-1 lead. Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz also picked up RBI's , giving Boston a 4-1 lead. Closer Jon Papelbon got his first save of the playoffs.
Daiskue Matsuzaka and Ervin Santana will take the mound in game 2.

The Rays and White Sox kick off their series later today.