Favorites to win it all, the Philadelphia Phillies are banking on Cole Hamels' big-game background in St. Louis.
Ryan Howard took a mighty cut, dropped his bat and admired the shot.
Nearly an hour after one more loss in a historic collapse, Freddie Freeman walked through the Braves clubhouse still wearing his No. 5 uniform, as if he couldn't believe he'd be taking it off for the final time this year.
The eyes of Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Hunter Pence were transfixed.
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Cole Hamels pitched a four-hitter and Hunter Pence's triple keyed a six-run sixth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2 Thursday night.
They have four aces, two former MVPs and a roster stacked with guys who've made numerous All-Star teams and earned plenty of awards.
Standing in the visitors clubhouse at Coors Field a week ago, Nationals manager Davey Johnson summed up veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez in one sentence: "Livo has pitched a lot of good games," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, when he's a little off, he's really off."
Michael Bourn went from the bottom of the NL Central in Houston to the top of the wild-card standings with Atlanta _ and he wasn't the only player who suddenly found himself in a pennant race.
Michael Bourn went from the bottom of the NL Central in Houston to the top of the wild-card standings with Atlanta _ and he wasn't the only player who suddenly found himself in a pennant race.
