Like a groom at the alter after a Vegas bachelor party the night before, the Phillies seemed to be just trying to get through today’s opener of the NLDS. In the end they did not pass out on the bride but they also did not look perky in losing 4-2. This has been a triumphant couple of days in the city, with the team soaking up the glory at a huge city hall pep rally. Lets hope that the loss clears their heads and we see a more focused effort tomorrow.

The meat of the lineup, Rollins, Utley and Howard were 0-11 with 8 strikeouts. They lefty that started for Colorado, Jeff Francis was trouble for the left handed bats. The Phils will need more output from those three to even the series on Thursday, but another lefty is on tap for Colorado, Franklin Morales. The good news is that the kid has just 8 big league starts under his belt.

Cole Hamels was very good in all but one inning, the second, where he gave up all 3 runs that he allowed. After that he retired the next 13 he faced. His day ended with 2 outs in the sixth. If you had asked him if he would have won if he held the Rockies to just 3 runs in 6 2/3, he would likely say “Yes”.

All of that said, I feel very confident about tomorrow’s game. This team is remarkably motivated and will bounce back in a big way.

GO PHILS!