NLCS 2010: 10 Reasons Game 6 Is Do or Die for the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5 of the 2010 NLCS. The Giants lead the series 3-2 but must now return to Philadelphia for Game 6 and Game 7 if needed. They are only one win away from from earning their fourth National League pennant since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958. It would also be the team's first pennant since 2002.
If Game 7 is needed, the Giants can place their champagne dreams on hold for next season. The window of opportunity for them to advance to the World Series is growing ever shorter. The Phillies have been the most dominant team in the National League for the past three seasons, advancing to the World Series in the past two seasons.
I believe that the Giants have all of the tools necessary to split the final two games in Philadelphia. I also believe that they are at a severe disadvantage in a Game 7, should it be necessary.
Here are 10 reasons that Game 6 is a do or die game for the Giants.
10. Giants Players Lack Playoff Experience
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Aubrey Huff mentioned feelings of butterflies and nervousness during interviews following Game 4 of the 2010 NLCS. Huff and the Giants starters lack postseason experience prior to this year. It is not an ideal situation for the Giants for the players to be in a Game 7 for the first time in their careers on the road in Philadelphia.
9. Home Field Will Mean a Lot More in Game 7
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Citizens Bank Park will be an even more hostile environment for the Giants players in Game 7 than in Game 6.
Game 6 has a 3:30 p.m. EST start time in the middle of a Saturday afternoon competing with college football for fans' attention. Although Philadelphia is a great sports town, day games tend to be a little more tame than evening starts. Game 7 would start at 7:30 p.m. EST Sunday and the Eagles play at 1 p.m. in Tennessee which allows for Phillies fans to have 100percent attention to devote to the game. Also, it means that fans will have more time to indulge in motivational beverages during tailgating and pregame festivities.
Also, the Giants are 2-0 in day games this postseason which is a streak they would like to keep alive going into Game 6.
8. Giants Cannot Afford to Lose Momentum
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Second to swagger, momentum is probably the most abused word in sports.
However, momentum truly is something the Giants have had on their side this season. They rode the momentum of winning their division in the final home game into the playoffs. In the NLDS they capitalized on close games and were cordial enough to applaud Bobby Cox before beginning their champagne celebration.
They caught the Phillies off guard in Game 1 to take the early lead in the NLCS and have maintained through the first five games. They cannot afford to lose the edge that they have or else they will lost this series along with it. The Phillies were by far the most dominating team in the National League coming into the playoffs. If the Giants leave the window cracked open even a hair, Philadelphia will come crashing through it.
7. Charlie Manuel Wants to Win at All Costs
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We are all experts after the fact.
Charlie Manuel has been called crazy for not starting Roy Halladay and for sending in Roy Oswalt in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the 2010 NLCS.
These observations sound reasonable since the San Francisco Giants were successful in defeating the Phillies and claimed their third win of the series.
What would we think if those moves proved successful?
The difference between crazy and genius are results. If the New Orleans Saints fail to convert the onside kick to open the second half of the Super Bowl we may look at Sean Payton as being crazy. Likewise if Charlie Manuel was able to take Game 4 without starting Halladay, he would considered a wizard of the game.
It will be interesting to see what else he has up his sleeves for the remainder of the series.
6. Roy Oswalt Isn't Coming in With Full Rest
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It wouldn't be right to kick a man while he is down under normal circumstances. However, if you get the opportunity to face a dominant pitcher that is coming off of limited rest and a relief appearance you must take advantage.
The Giants must seize the day and opportunity to get ahead early and limit how long Oswalt can remain in the game. If they can jump out to an early lead and get into the Philly bullpen by the fifth inning they will greatly increase their odds of popping champagne and celebrating a National League pennant on Saturday night.
5. Jonathan Sanchez Should Have a Successful Outing in Philadelphia
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Jonathan Sanchez may be the most underrated pitcher in the 2010 NLCS. Not only does he have a no-hitter in his resume, he has also been a vital contributor to the Giants success this season.
He received his 13th win on the last day of the regular season when the Giants defeated San Diego and secured the NL West title. He was also phenomenal in Game 3 of the NLDS against Atlanta, holding the braves to only two hits in his 7 1/3 innings pitched.
In his last 10 games he has a 2.05 ERA and 65 strikeouts.
The Giants hope he will be on the mound for the game that clinches a World Series berth.
4. One-Run Wins
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The Giants have been the kings of the one-run win this postseason. Four of their five wins have been by the minimum margin of victory required to win, one run.
How long can this last?
I'm sure Giants players and fans don't care how the wins come as long as they do. The Phillies are not the team that you want to keep in the game as the ninth inning approaches. This is even more critical with the errors that the Giants had in Game 5.
With the series going back to Philadelphia, San Francisco needs to ensure they jump out to an early lead and play sound defense or they may find themselves witnessing a celebration rather than participating in one once this series is over.
3. Philadelphia Has More Postseason Experience
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Nineteen of the 25 players on the Phillies NLCS roster came into the series with postseason experience. The only players without postseason experience were Roy Halladay, Domonic Brown, Ross Glaud, Brian Schneider, Mike Sweeney, and Wilson Valdez.
Entering Game 6, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino have started 38 consecutive postseason games together for the Phillies. It is the longest streak of consecutive starts by five players in major league history.
The Phillies also are one of only three National League teams to have four players in team history with 20 or more postseason RBI. Those players are Ryan Howard Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Jayson Werth.
With all of this postseason experience, Philadelphia is much better suited to squeeze out a miracle if the Giants allow the series to extend to a seventh game.
2. Philadelphia's Bats Will Wake Up Eventually
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If you look at the batting statistics so far in the NLCS the numbers are very similar. Both teams have hit three home runs, eight doubles and 16 RBI. The difference has been in the situational hitting of the two teams.
The Phillies have left too many runners stranded.
If the Phillies can increase their current .209 batting average and bring in some of the runners they have left stranded they will be able to take control of the series and advance to the World Series. Only four of their starting hitters is batting above .200 in the NLCS. The worst Phillies hitter during the regular season at Citizens Bank Park was Victorino with a .251 average.
1. Cole Hamels
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Cole Hamels is the biggest obstacle between the Giants and their fourth National League pennant. Hamels has been on the mound in crucial postseason situations for the Phillies before. If he is on the mound to start Game 7 at home, it will be a huge advantage for Philadelphia.
Roy Halladay is virtually done for the series unless Charlie Manuel decides to throw him in with minimum rest to finish a game. Roy Oswalt, is pitching Game 6 without full rest as previously mentioned.
And then there is Cole Hamels.
Hamels is 3-1 in his career in League Championship Series games with a 3.94 ERA and 28 strikeouts. His only loss came this year to San Francisco in Game 3. He will certainly want to make up for his loss and propel the Phillies into their third consecutive World Series appearance.
The Giants hope he never gets the opportunity.
