NLDS Game 3 Report Card: Cole Hamels Completes Sweep Of The New Machine

The Phillies entered into Game 3 of the NLDS with one thing in mind: Win and go home.

And they did just that.

Behind a dominant Cole Hamels and a constructed hitting squad that showed the value of both the long ball and the short ball, the Phillies dominated nearly every aspect of this game.

Let's take a look at how the Phillies fared against not only the best defensive teams in the NL this season, but also against one of the best teams, in one of the most hitter friendly parks in the majors.

1B, Ryan Howard

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WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 29, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Howard continued his modest yet effective role playing bat by hitting another two singles while whiffing twice.

He didn't need his power tonight, and he finishes with a final grade of B+.

2B, Chase Utley

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 08: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies is called safe at second base in the seventh inning of game 2 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on October 8, 2010 in Philadelp

Utley once again started slow, but delivered a crucial fifth inning HR that put separation between the Phillies and the Reds.

Other than that, though, Utley had nothing more than a couple of fly-outs. He ends the night with a final grade of C-.

3B, Placido Polanco

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LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 31: Placido Polanco #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a base hit in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 8-4. (Ph

Outside of the game winning run, Polanco didn't have a good night at all, doing basically nothing, including miffing an infield fly ball that he should have caught.

His glove otherwise, has been spot on but tonight he'll finish with a D-.

SS, Jimmy Rollins

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 06: Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up before Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on October 6, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

His speed has been hampered by that hammy, but his bat has been marginally useful for the Phils and sometimes that's all it takes.

He finishes Game 3 with a hit and a walk as well as a final grade of C+.

C, Carlos Ruiz

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LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 31: Carlos Ruiz #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a base hit that scores two runs in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Phillies defeated th

One of the biggest problems for the fastball pitchers of the Reds has been the fastball killer in Carlos Ruiz, and to top his best regular season in his career, Ruiz has been nothing short of amazing thus far.

Tonight he finishes with three singles, and a double alongside a final grade of A-.

The Outfield

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 08: Jayson Werth #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies is shown during batting practice before game 2 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on October 8, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotma

Jayson Werth: Werth did absolutely nothing short of a single thanks to an error: D-.

Raul Ibanez: Ibanez managed to hit a near 100 mph fastball in the ninth, but aside from that, he too did nothing: D-.

Shane Victorino: Aside from an infield single, Victorino finishes a quiet night himself with a D-.

Final Grade: D-.

SP, Cole Hamels

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NEW YORK - JUNE 17: Cole Hamels #35 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to playing against the New York Yankees on June 17, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

He was 6-0 with a 1.07 ERA against the Reds, and 3-0 at Great American Ball Park.

He is the most decorated postseason pitcher on the Phillies roster as the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP, and showed it going a FULL nine, pitching a shutout against an incredibly powerful Reds team.

If there are any questions still lingering about Hamels, you can safely get rid of them.

Hamels finishes the night with an obvious A+.

Charlie Manuel

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 13: National League All-Star Manager Charlie Manuel of the Philadelphia Phillies during the 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 13, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Charlie goes back to Victorino in the leadoff spot to help rest up that hamstring on Rollins; he allows Hamels to go the distance in a risky, but gutsy, call; and masterfully weaves a sweep of the NL Central champs.

Charlie ends this evening and the series with a much deserved A+.

What Lies Ahead

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 08: A Philadelphia Phillies fan watches the game against the Cincinnati Reds in game 2 of NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on October 8, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Reds 7-4. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Gett

The Reds inevitably will have a difficult time handling a sweep in their first postseason appearance in more than a decade, but considering where this team is headed, one has to think this is a team that will continue to get more and more dangerous as the years go by, much like the Phillies were before the 2008 season.

But for the Phillies, being a couple of years ahead in maturation showed in their ability to stay cool, handle a very good offensive AND defensive team, and brush away the pressure that surrounds every team in the postseason.

Whether it be Atlanta or San Francisco, I believe most people can say that both teams will have their hands full.

Congratulations, Philadelphia.