Sept. 28 -- HAMELS TO PITCH GAME 1

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Lots of bleary-eyed ballplayers in the Phils' clubhouse this morning. Strange lineup for Charlie Manuel, too. But we'll get to that in a moment. First things first, as in your Game 1 starter.

Cole Hamels.

Manuel announced a few moments ago that Hamels will start against either the Dodgers or Brewers on Wednesday at the Bank. No surprise there. Hamels would've started today if the Phillies needed to win, so it makes perfect sense that he'd be the guy for Game 1. Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee haven't decided if it will be Jamie Moyer or Brett Myers in Game 2. Moyer will be fully rested after pitching the clincher yesterday, and Myers has allowed 16 runs (14 earned) in 8-1/3 innings over his last two starts. But Myers pitches better at the Bank than he does on the road, so he may be the choice. As always, when I know, you'll know.

***
Shane Victorino was limping around the clubhouse today, although both he and athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said the speedy center fielder will be ready to go on Wednesday. Sheridan said X-rays on Victorino's bruised right shin were negative. Victorino's conversation with a few reporters went something like this:

Reporters: How do you feel?
Victorino: Good. I don't want to talk about it.
Reporters: Will you be ready Wednesday?
Victorino: Yes.
Reporters: And you'll be able to run?
Victorino: Sure.

So, there's that.

***
Today's lineup against Nats LHP Odalis Perez (7-11, 4.27 ERA): LF So Taguchi, SS Eric Bruntlett, 2B Tadahito Iguchi, RF Geoff Jenkins, 1B Chris Coste, 3B Mike Cervenak, CF Greg Golson, C Lou Marson, RHP Kyle Kendrick (11-9, 5.46 ERA). Keep your eye on Golson and Marson. Golson will be getting his first major-league at-bat. Marson will be making his major-league debut.

***
Running short on time before the first pitch, so I'll merely post today's links to The Paper -- from the game story that chronicles last night's 4-3 victory and the ensuing celebration; to the notebook that details Victorino's injury, Geoff Jenkins' long-awaited playoff appearance and more; to Moyer's latest clinching effort; to Martin Frank's column about how nothing ever comes easy for the Phillies.