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Phillies Earn NLCS Berth

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2008

MILWAUKEE - The Phillies found plenty of power to go with their pitching, right in time for the National League Championship Series.

Pat Burrell broke out of his slump in a big way with two homers, one a three-run shot, and Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth added solo drives Sunday to lead the Phillies to a 6-2 victory against the Brewers that clinched their first trip to the NLCS since 1993.

Overshadowed by the offensive barrage was a gem by midseason addition Joe Blanton, who held the Brewers to one run after an eight-day layoff. Rollins got the Phillies started with a leadoff shot and Philadelphia won the best-of-five series 3-1, earning another crack at the Dodgers in the NLCS.

"I like our chances," Manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think we can beat anyone in the National League, really."

The teams have met for the NL pennant three times before. The Dodgers won in 1977 and '78, while the Phillies took the flag in 1983.

Game 1 is Thursday in Philadelphia. During the regular season, each team swept a four-game series from the other at home.

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