The 2008 Phillies are already better than the 2007 Phillies!

(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

The Phillies did something today that they were unable to do last season: win a playoff game. After getting swept in 3 straight games by the Colorado Rockies in 2007, the Phillies started off their playoff series with the Brewers in strong fashion, winning Game 1 3-1 and taking a 1-0 series lead. The win was also the Phillies first playoff game win since 1993.

Cole Hamels was the story of the game. He absolutely dominated the Brewers, going 8 innings, striking out 9 and allowing only 2 hits. Brad Lidge came into the game in the 9th and had his second straight shaky outing, giving up a run when Ryan Braun doubled in Ray Durham. Lidge is inching closer and closer to blowing his first save of the season, it would be an absolute shame if he melted down in the playoffs after being perfect all season long. The last thing he needs is to have his confidence shaken like it was after Albert Pujols hit that bomb off of Lidge when he was with the Astros.

Offensively, the Phillies scored all 3 of their runs in the 3rd inning. Chase Utley doubled in a pair of runs and Shane Victorino walked with the bases loaded. The Phils were able to chase Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo after just 4 innings of work but were unable to do any damage against the Brewers bullpen.

Game 2 is Thursday, and the Brewers send their ace to the mound to try to even the series up. C.C. Sabathia will be pitching on only 3 days rest, although it hasn't slowed him down before, while the Phils will send on-again, off-again Brett Myers to the mound. Hopefully the Myers from August shows up or the Phillies will find themselves right back where they started in the series.

In all, it was a good start to the playoffs for the Phils. They won a game they should have won considering they sent their ace to the mound while the Brewers pitched a guy who isn't completely healthy. Game 2 will be pivotal for the Phillies. If they can find a way to beat Sabathia, the series will essentially be theirs for the taking. If the Brewers win, the Phillies know that they will have to face Sabathia again in Game 4 or 5. They need to focus on beating him the first time so they won't have to face him again. Unfortunately for the Phillies, they have a tendency to not kick teams when they are down, a tendency that could come back to haunt them if they let the Brewers back in the series.