2011 MLB Playoff Schedule: Phillies Pitching Advantage Is Too Much for Cardinals

It's no secret that the Philadelphia Phillies have by far the best pitching rotation in all of baseball. In fact, some question whether this crew could be the best of all-time. I'm not sure that I'm ready to go out on a limb and say that, but after Game 1 of the NLDS game against the Cardinals, it's clear that the pitching will be too much for St. Louis to overcome.

It didn't appear that way when the game started, though.

After a leadoff single to start the game, followed by an Albert Pujols walk, the Cardinals took an early lead when Lance Berkman hit a three-run shot. The second inning started off the same as the first, as Skip Schumaker singled to shallow right field.

Then it stopped.

Roy Halladay continued to retire 21-straight batters. Halladay did not allow another player on base until he left the game after going eight innings.

This is where the Phillies have such a clear advantage. Their starters are great, but they are still going to give up runs. The difference is how deep they are able to go. Typically, Phillies pitchers make it at least seven innings. Tonight, Halladay was able to pitch eight.

Kyle Lohse had a fantastic start to the game. Entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cardinals held a 3-1 lead. The problem is that, when the starting pitcher fades for the Cardinals, they are done. Lohse gave up two home runs in the six, which allowed five points for the Phillies.

In the seventh inning, the Phillies made the Cardinals go through two more pitchers. They also scored three more runs. In the eighth inning, the Phillies made the Cardinals go through another pitcher. They scored two more runs.

The Cardinals were beating Philadelphia entering the sixth inning at a 3-1 score. At that point, both teams had only used one pitcher. The game ended at a score of 11-6. Michael Stutes allowed three runs in the ninth before being replaced by Ryan Madson.

The Phillies pitchers for the night were Roy Halladay, Michael Stutes and Ryan Madson.

The Cardinals pitchers were Kyle Lohse, Octavio Dotel, Marc Rzepczynski, Mitchell Boggs and Arthur Rhodes.

St. Louis doesn't have depth at pitching. Philadelphia doesn't need it.

The amazing part is that the Phillies will be able to do the same thing tomorrow when Cliff Lee takes the mound for Game 2.