The Philadelphia Phillies were able to make the most of the few mistakes made by the Los Angeles Dodgers in their NL championship series opener. 

Yes, it was only Game 1. 

Pat Burrell and Chase Utley cleared the wall with room to spare. 

Manny Ramirez needed one more foot and the Los Angeles Dodgers needed one more run in the NL championship series opener. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Brad Penny (sore right shoulder) received a cortisone shot Sept. 

--RHP Jonathan Broxton recorded the final four outs in a save situation, raising questions as to who is the Dodgers' closer. 

The Dodgers' improbable three-game sweep of the Cubs came largely on the strength of two-out hits with runners in scoring position, something that earlier this season was a fairly foreign concept to this team. 

The acquisition of Manny Ramirez spurred the Los Angeles Dodgers into the playoffs and his offense helped get them into the NL championship series. 

Do more with less is a pretty common rally cry these days, but the Rays are actually doing it. 

Sporting freshly trimmed, thick braids instead of his usual dreadlocks, Manny Ramirez has a slightly new look for the NL championship series to go with his reformed West Coast attitude. 

The Red Sox, Rays and Joe Torre all popped the champagne this week. 

With the Cubs out, where do we turn for our lovable loser fix? Randy Hill says Philly's got the second half of that covered. 

Everyone wants Dodgers-Red Sox, but Dayn Perry says any of the four possible World Series matchups will be compelling. 

Manager: Joe TorreNo. 

--RHP Jonathan Broxton recorded the final four outs in a save situation, raising questions as to who is the Dodgers' closer.