Manny who? Utley, Burrell power Phillies past Dodgers in Game One

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With all the hype surrounding Manny Ramirez and all the amazing things he can do, I think people seem to forget he's just one man. He's a special player, but he can't win games all by himself. He did help the Dodgers get out to an early lead in Game One by doubling home a run in the first inning, but that was his only impact on the game.

The Phillies lack one superstar that carries the team, instead they feature a number of guys who are a threat to hit the ball out of the park at any time. Tonight, facing a 2-0 deficit in the bottom of the 6th, it was Chase Utley and Pat Burrell's chance to shine. Utley hit a 2-run homer that tied the game and Burrell followed with the game winning homer two batters later. Those two swings of the bat were all the Phillies needed to carry them over the Dodgers, 3-2, and to take a 1-0 series lead in the NLCS.

Of course, solid pitching also carried the day for the Phillies. Cole Hamels looked shaky at times and consistently allowed runners to get on base, but he still only allowed 2 runs to cross the plate and he still managed to get the big strikeouts when he needed them. After Burrell gave the Phillies the lead late in the game, the bullpen took over and did what it always does: protect a lead. Ryan Madsen needed only 10 pitches to zoom through the 8th and Brad Lidge remained perfect on the season with his first postseason save.

The Phils have taken an important first step in winning Game One. Not only have they protected their home field advantage, they have also taken the momentum away from the Dodgers. The Dodgers had been riding high following their sweep of the Cubs but with one game all of that momentum and good feelings have been erased. It's a quick turnaround to Game Two, so the Dodgers are going to have to quickly forget about this loss if they want to remain in the series.

For the Phillies, now is a great time to pounce and build a 2 game lead. They shouldn't get too excited about winning one game, they are supposed to win every time Cole Hamels pitches. Now it will be up to Brett Myers to be the Brett Myers from the second half of the season for the Phillies to take command of this series. With the 4:35 start time tomorrow, I have a feeling most Philadelphia businesses will be shutting down early. Let's hope the Phils give us something worth going home early for.