Outside of the two HR Derek Lowe had a decent game. His groundball-to-flyball ratio was 12 – 2.

Greg Maddux still has some life left in him as a starter but he’s been effective in his two relief appearances in the 2008 postseason. In 744 career regular season games he’s only made four relief appearances.

Cole Hamels had his change working, as he usually does. I think it needs to rank right near the top of MLB changes along with Johan Santana.

The relatively low pitch count from Cole (105) is good news for the Phillies, as he’s slotted to pitch again in game four and in a possible game seven.

If set-up man Ryan Madson is anything, its consistent. In both 2007 & 2008 his ERA has been 3.05. He’s been the workhorse of the Phillies bullpen, as he’s pitched five postseason IP in five games.

I do expect to see some running later in the series, as neither Ruiz (23.5%) or Martin (24.7%) had great regular season success in throwing out would be base-stealers.

It was nice to see Phillies utility man Eric Bruntlett get into the game last night. In 2008 he appeared 35 times a SS, 27 times at 3B and 29 times in LF. He also spent time playing 1B, 2B and RF.