By Nancy Armour
Associated Press
MILWAUKEE ó The Philadelphia Phillies found plenty of power to go with their pitching, right in time for the NL championship series.
Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run, Pat Burrell connected twice and Jayson Werth added a solo shot Sunday to lead the Phillies to a 6-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that clinched their first trip to the NLCS since 1993.
After winning this best-of-five playoff series in four games, the Phillies next face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 1 is Thursday in Philadelphia.
“I like our chances,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “I think we can beat anyone in the National League, really.”
Overshadowed by the home run barrage was a gem by midseason addition Joe Blanton, who held the Brewers to one run after an eight-day layoff. Burrell backed him with a three-run shot and a solo drive, breaking out of a playoff slump.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled. You know, I don’t think it’s actually sunk in all that much yet,” said Burrell, who has been with the Phillies since they drafted him in 1998.
The Phillies partied in their clubhouse, dousing each other with bottles of champagne and cans of beer. Rollins, who wore swimming goggles, grinned as he darted around the clubhouse, looking for unsuspecting ó not to mention dry ó teammates.
The Dodgers and Philadelphia have met for the NL pennant three times before. Los Angeles won in 1977 and ’78, while the Phillies took the flag in 1983.
During the regular season, the Phillies and Dodgers each swept a four-game series from the other at home.