ST. PETERSBURG -- Enduring deafening cowbell sounds clanging off Tropicana Field's walls Wednesday night, the Phillies still managed to hear echoes of 1980.
Bringing their own rhythm to the 2008 World Series, notably the beating of the ball off Chase Utley's lumber and the hollow slicing of air waving at Cole Hamels' changeup, the Phillies squeaked out a 3-2 win over the Rays in Game 1 of the Fall Classic.
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So began a quest for Philadelphia that can end successfully with just three more wins. The Phillies recorded their 100th win of 2008 and need what they hope will be a truly grand total 103 to claim their first World Series title since '80.
When the Series continues with Thursday's Game 2 at Tropicana Field, history is on the Phils' side, as 10 of the past 11 Game 1 victors have gone on to take the World Series.
"We can downplay that it's only Game 1, but really, it's a pretty important game," said closer Brad Lidge, who saved his 47th straight game this season with a perfect ninth inning. "Coming in here, getting a win here, is huge. When your ace is on the mound, you need to win."
On that subject, this Game 1 showed how much the starter can decide the outcome. Hamels, the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, staked his claim for similar World Series honors, allowing two runs in a 102-pitch, seven-inning effort.
Hamels became just the fourth pitcher to win three Game 1s in the same postseason since the Wild Card era began in 1995, joining John Smoltz (1996), David Wells (1998) and Josh Beckett (2007).
"Yeah, Cole is pretty good, man," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I'm glad he pitches for us. He's been very consistent all year long. How he pitched tonight, that's kind of like a regular game for him. He can be better. He can be bit sharper, but tonight he was very good."
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GETTEM BOYS!!!!
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