Despite Loss, Los Angeles Dodgers Still Have an Important Game Two To Play

Despite an early lead, the Dodgers lost Game One of the 2008 National League Championship Series to the Phillies, 3-2.  The Phillies, who were down 2-0 until the sixth inning, were powered by home runs by Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Derek Lowe pitched well, in spite of the two home runs, giving up zero runs in the first five innings and only three hits. Although his demise came quickly in the sixth, after a throwing error by Rafael Furcal got Shane Victorino on base, and Chase Utley drove him home with the first homerun. Though some Dodger fans will look at this game and be disappointed by it, there's really no reason to feel that way. Frankly, the fact that the Dodgers got two runs off of the Phillies' ace and nearly held that lead until the end is a little amazing—to me, at least. Additionally, there were some things that didn't go in the Dodgers' favor. Furcal's throw was bad luck and literally was the difference in the game. Manny's RBI double would have been a home run ... (link)