Phillies Take 1-0 Lead: Phew!

For once, it went according to script.

Cole Hamels channeled his inner Steve Carlton. The Phillies took advantage of Milwaukee miscues.

And then held on for dear life.

But that's how it's been for these 2008 Philadelphia Phillies. And really, has it ever been easy in Philly?

I'd love to see a lifespan study on Philadelphia fans, because ninth innings like yesterday may have taken years of my life. I'm sure I picked up a few more gray hairs, too.

Yesterday was a must-win.  It's rare to consider the first game of the opening series as a must-win. But with C.C. Sabathia—arguably the best pitcher in the game—going today, the Phillies could not afford to be down 1-0.

Now, the Phillies couldn't be set up any better.

Brett Myers—who was downright incandescent down the stretch, save for his last two starts—doesn't have to be the savior tonight. He doesn't have to save the Phillies postseason.

He just has to pitch.

Meanwhile, the Phillies lineup has to get Sabathia to make pitches. Lots of pitches.  They cannot be over-eager. They need to take Sabathia deep in counts, make him work, and try to get to the Brewer bullpen as soon as possible.

This team has shown resiliency the entire season. Even if they can't get to Sabathia early, they can steal a win late if Myers can keep them in it.

The rotation is setup nicely, thanks to clinching the division a day early. The Phils will throw lefty-righty-lefty at the Brewers, with Jamie Moyer ready to take the ball Saturday.

Good things seem to happen with Old Man Moyer on the mound. 

So let's stick to the script, get the job done tonight, and head to Wisconsin up 2-0.

Easy, right?