Some smart ass sports reporter in Philly better get on writing that poem. During the 2008 playoffs this is the exact combo we’ve seen three games in a row times.

Hamels goes seven innings, throws around 102 – 110 pitches. In the eighth the under-rated Ryan Madson comes in and shuts down opponents. And then 2008 version of Mr.Perfect, Brad Lidge (44 for 44 in save opportunities) comes in and shuts the door.

Sure, it’s only one game in the World Series. But if the Rays want to compete in this series they will need to break apart this Philly trifecta. Cole Hamels is set to pitch again in game five and he will also be available in a possible game seven.

No one or combo is unbeatable. But right now Hamels to Madson to Lidge is looking pretty damn good.

Kicking it Old School Bonus: Tinkers to Evers to Chance Poem

These are the saddest of possible words:

“Tinker to Evers to Chance.”

Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,

Tinker and Evers and Chance.

Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,

Making a Giant hit into a double —

Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:

“Tinker to Evers to Chance.”