Durzblog

Hamels tossed his third consecutive gem of the playoffs and the Phils beat Los Angeles 5-1 to win the NL championship series 4-1 and head to the Fall Classic for this first time since 1993. This will be the club's sixth appearance in the World Series (1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993)...the Championship in 80 is the team's lone title in 125 years of existence.

It has to be noted that Manny Ramirez was incredible in the series -- with his attention piqued, he hit .520 with four homers, 10 RBIs and 11 walks in eight playoff games, and will become a free agent this off season. Overall, he batted .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 53 regular-season games for the Dodgers after being acquired July 31 from Boston.

The Phillies will go for their second World Series title beginning next Wednesday night at Tampa Bay or Boston. The championship-starved, City of Brotherly Love, that hasn't had a title to celebrate since the 76ers won it all in 1983.

For those keeping track at home, the Phillies are 30-13 with a divisional and league title since my daughter was born. Way to go Mars!