Key To Phils Game One Success: Hit The Low(e) Ball

On the surface, an NLCS Game One matchup between Cole Hamels and Derek Lowe may look like a huge advantage to the powerful lefty lineup of the Philadelphia Phillies.  After all, since the beginning of the Chase Utley/Ryan Howard era in Philly, the sight of a power righty on the mound has Phils fans dreaming of balls soaring out of Citizens Bank Park.  As Derek Lowe prepares to take the ball in Game One for the Dodgers, this should come with a warning sign for Philly: "BEWARE THE LOW(E) BALL." Over the past three years, the Phillies have consistently torn apart right-handed pitching in the National League.  There have, however, been a couple righties that continue to give Howard and the rest of the Bash Brothers fits.  Brandon Webb, Tim Hudson, and Tim Redding come to mind.  Oh, and then there is Derek Lowe.  The common denominator? A heavy sinker that turns 400 foot shots into measly ground balls to shortstop. Therein lies the problem for the National League's home ... (link)