The Official Site of Chase Utley

Thu, Oct 16th 2008, 09:30

World Series Bound

By Phil Sheridan – Inquirer Sports Columnist

Here we go, ready or not.

The thirstiest sports town in the known universe, parched and dusty Philadelphia, could see its 25-year championship drought end this month.

The Phillies are going to the World Series.

Say it out loud. Shout it so William Penn can hear it atop City Hall. The Phillies are going to the World Series for the first time since the mullets-and-beer 1993 team lost to Joe Carter and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Phillies eliminated Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, clinching the National League pennant last night with a heaven-kissed 5-1 victory in the City of the Angels ( Game highlights.) After the late-inning drama of Game 4, the Phillies dispatched the Dodgers with cold efficiency.

Under a full moon, on a full count, Brad Lidge retired Nomar Garciaparra on a foul pop for the final out. By the time the ball landed softly in catcher Carlos Ruiz’s mitt, the Phillies were rushing onto the field for a joyous but controlled celebration.

For the third time in 19 days, players donned swim goggles and sprayed champagne – upgraded to Moet for the pennant. A fourth celebration would require just the second World Series title in franchise history – giving the lonely 1980 squad some long-awaited company.

“I think I’m going to have a heart attack,” an ebullient Brett Myers said before leading a charge back onto the field. About a thousand red-clad Phillies fans had gathered behind the team’s dugout. They chanted, “Four more wins,” and, “Let’s go, Phillies,” and, finally, “We want beer.”

“I don’t know how they survived among all those Dodgers fans,” Myers said. “Shows you how tough Phillies fans really are.”

Cole Hamels, the lanky and enigmatic lefthander with the killer change-up, emerged as a money playoff pitcher by dominating for his second win of the series. His third: the trophy for most valuable player.

Shortstop and oracle Jimmy Rollins led off the clincher with a home run, just as he had in the decisive Game 4 of the division series in Milwaukee.

Chase Utley, the Cali-cool second baseman, hit a two-run home run to tie Game 1. In Game 4, he literally crawled through the infield dirt to complete a crucial, game-saving double play.

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