Chickens on the Run: NLCS Game 1: Dodgers at Phillies

Scouting Report:

Dodgers: The Dodgers can start Lowe in Game 1, bring him back on three days rest for Game 4, then have him on regular rest for a Game 7, if the series lasts that long and they so choose. It's a nice situation to be in, having someone on the staff who's already pitched winning clinchers in a Championship Series and World Series, as Lowe did with the Red Sox in 2004. Lowe again showed that the spotlight is no issue for him when he set the tone for the Division Series by containing the Cubs for a two-run, wind-blown home run over six innings at Wrigley Field last week. He has a very successful history pitching in Wrigley Field and the same is true for the right-hander at Citizens Bank Park, where he's 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three career starts, none of those occurring this year. He is 4-1 with two saves and a 3.02 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Lowe has held the current Phillie roster to 31-151 (.205 BA) with 10 doubles, 4 HRs, and 17 RBIs.

Phillies to Watch:

Pedro Feliz: 5-23 (.217 BA) with 2 HRs and 2 RBIs.
Jimmy Rollins: 6-20 with 2 doubles.
Pat Burrell: 6-19 (.316 BA) with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.
Chase Utley: 5-14 (.357 BA) with 3 doubles and a RBI.

Phillies: The 24-year-old, left-handed Hamels pitched a masterpiece against the Brewers in Game 1 of the Division Series, yielding just two hits and a walk while striking out nine in eight innings as the Phillies won, 3-1.

Hamels enters the postseason with a 3.09 ERA with a 14-10 record. He had two starts against, and went 14 innings, posting a 1-0 record. He gave up 10 hits and two walks for a 0.86 WHIP. He gave up only four runs (1 HR) and whiffed 12 to give him a 2.57 ERA against the Dodgers this season.

Hamels has one postseason start with eight innings of shutout baseball. He lasted 8 innings and gave up 2 hits and a walk while fanning 9.

Dodgers to Watch: