Bring on the Dodgers! Phillies on to the NLCS

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The Phillies did something today that they hadn't done in 15 years: win a playoff series. For the first time since their magical run in 1993, the Phillies beat the Brewers and advanced to the NLCS with a 3-1 series win. The Phillies will now take on the Dodgers who are fresh off their sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

Sunday's series clinching 6-2 win featured lots of homers and great pitching by the Phils. All 6 of the Phillies runs came off homers as Pat Burrell hit two bombs and Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth each hit one. Rollins' homer was a leadoff shot and Burrell added a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning as the Phils jumped out to an early lead.

With the offense taken care of early, Joe Blanton cruised. Blanton dominated the Brewers, giving up 5 hits in 6 innings and striking out 7 batters. He gave up one run to Prince Fielder but was otherwise unhittable. The homer by Fielder was the only extra-base hit the Phils gave up the whole game.

Now it's on to the NLCS and the Dodgers. The Phillies will have the home field advantage for the series, meaning it will start in Philly sometime in the middle of next week. The Dodgers and Phillies split their season series 4-4 with each team winning all of their games at home, so having the extra game in Philadelphia is crucial. It should be a good series, but I have to give the early advantage to the Phillies. The Phillies pitching nearly matches up with the Dodgers staff and their offense, despite Manny, is better than the Dodgers'.

Anyway, we'll worry about the Dodgers later. Now is the time to celebrate!!