Updated: September 28, 2008, 6:06 PM ET
Manuel chooses ace Hamels as Game 1 starter
PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies ace Cole Hamels will pitch Game 1 of the division series when the NL East champions open Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers.
Hamels
Hamels went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA this season and struck out 196 batters in 221 1/3 innings. Manager Charlie Manuel said he was undecided about his Game 2 starter and might wait until Monday to name one.
The Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Saturday to win their second consecutive NL East title. All the regulars, including former MVPs Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, were given the day off in Sunday's finale.
"We got hot at the right time," Manuel said.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
- Rumors: Lack of options for John Lackey
- Keith Law: The top 50 free agents
- Olney: Joe Mauer's unclear future
- KEG: Early 2010 look-aheads
