Yovani Gallardo threw 4.0 innings in Game 1 of the NLDS against Philadelphia.  That may sound like a poor start, but relatively speaking, the 22 year old was not bad at all.  He gave up 3 runs, but they were all unearned thanks to some horrendous defense by Milwaukee (Bill Hall, Rickie Weeks, and even the usually solid Mike Cameron).  A botched play on what should have been a bunt double play by Cole Hamels turned into everybody reaching.  With two outs, second baseman Chase Utley crushed a pitch into center that was playable for Cameron, but he seemed to misread the ball, and it barely bounced out of his glove, allowing two runs to score.  No error was charged on the play that was ruled a double, but there is no doubt that Cameron would be the first to admit he should have (and can) make that catch.  A run was walked in with the bases loaded later in the inning.

For the remainder of the game, Milwaukee’s bullpen threw extremely well, handcuffing the deadly Phillie lineup for 4.0 innings.  The lefty ace of Philadelphia, Cole Hamels, pitched out of his mind, going 8.0 scoreless, 2 hit, 9 strikeout innings and picking up the win.  Against perfect (41 saves in 41 chances regular season) closer Brad Lidge, the Crew seemed to settle down.  Ryan Braun drove in the first Brewer playoff run (scored by Ray Durham) since 1982 with a booming double, but Corey Hart, still looking as lost at the plate as ever, whiffed with runners at second and third and two out.

Offensive MVP: Phillies 2B Chase Utley (1-4/1R/12B/2RBI/0BB/0K)

Pitching MVP: Phillies SP Cole Hamels (8.0IP/2H/0ER/0BB/9SO/0HR/Win-1st)

Alex’s Take:

All in all, this game really wasn’t that bad.  The Brewers defensively looked atrocious, and had they not committed those errors, they likely would have won 1-0.  But sadly, their largely playoff-inexperienced team was unable to convert the critical plays at the critical times and it came back to bite them.  The offense looked bad, but really it was just Cole Hamels being extremely good.  Tomorrow’s game is a must-win if the Crew hope to advance, because they have CC Sabathia on the mound against Brett Myers.  Take that game, and the Brewers will find themselves in the friendly confines of Miller Park for two games that, if won, would send them onto the NLCS.  If they lose tomorrow, their hopes of a pennant will all but disappear.