World Series Champions - The Philadelphia Phillies!

It only took forty nine and half hours, but the Phillies won game five of the World Series and with it the World Series Championship for the first time since 1980 and the city of Philadelphia's first major championship since 1983.

It all came down to a huge hit by Pat Burrell who had been hitless in the series. Burrell led of the bottom of the seventh inning with a double and scored on a clutch hit by third baseman Pedro Feliz.

J.C. Romero, who replaced Ryan Madson in the top of the seventh got the Rays out in the top of the eighth helped by a huge double play. The Phillies went quietly in the bottom of the eighth with only a walk to second baseman Chase Utley. This brought it all down to the top of the ninth and Phillies ace reliever Brad Lidge.

Lidge had been perfect all season, never blowing a save opportunity. Still, fans were on the edge of their seats as Lidge came to the mound in the top of the ninth.

It hasn't always been easy for Lidge or easy on the hearts of Phillies fans. After getting Evan Longoria to pop out to second, he walked catcher Dioner Navarro. Fernando Perez ran for Navarro and stole second. Pinch hitter Ben Zobrist lined out to Werth in right field for the second out. It came down to Lidge against pinch hitter Eric Hinske, who just became active on the Rays roster with the injury to Cliff Floyd. Hinske struck out on three pitches giving the Phillies the win and only their second World Championship in their 126 year history. They were a perfect 7-0 at home during the post-season.

Cole Hamels was named the World Series Most Valuable Player, an honor well deserved. He was outstanding throughout the playoffs. My vote would have gone to the Flyin' Hawaiian, Shane Victorino, who was superb throughout the post-season.

World Series Champions! Boy, does that sound good.

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