Phillies falter in Game 3, Game 4 becomes a must win

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Game 3 just wasn't meant to be. Although they stayed close all night and only lost by 3 runs, the Phillies lacked energy as the Brewers fed off the home crowd. The Phils repeatedly allowed runners on base and had to fight just to keep them from scoring. Starting with a shaky performance by Jame Moyer, Phillies pitchers gave up 11 hits and walked 5 batters in the game. Moyer and the four relievers that followed him did an admirable job in keeping the Brewers to only 4 runs and giving the offense a chance to win the game.

Unfortunately, the offense was stifled all game by the Brewers. The Phils managed 9 hits in the game but failed to string any together until the 9th inning. The Phils did load the bases in the 9th to keep things interesting, but a Pedro Feliz double play and an interference call on Shane Victorino when he failed to slide into second base killed a possible rally.

With a 2-1 series lead, the Phillies are still in the drivers seat, but Sunday's Game 4 is now a critical game. With C.C. Sabathia scheduled to pitch Game 5 for the Brewers, the Phillies can't afford to lose and hope to beat the Brewers ace a second time. The Brewers will send Jeff Suppan to the mound in Game 4 while the Phillies will likely counter with Joe Blanton, a pitching matchup that slightly favors the Phillies.

The Phillies must win Game 4 because they are playing with fire if they have to face Sabathia a second time. If it comes to a 5th game in the series, Sabathia won't hang another pitch to Shane Victorino like he did in Game 2 meaning the Phillies would need another perfect pitching performance from Cole Hamels to win the series. While that certainly could happen, the Phillies could do us all a favor and not let it get to that point.