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The next team up is...
The 2008 Philadelphia Phillies!
King Of The Hill Streak: 2005 Orioles(1)
2005 Orioles vs 2008 Phillies – Best-of-7 Preview
Orioles (2005) – Finished 74-88, rebuilding mode but with some intriguing pieces. Miguel Tejada remains the heart of the lineup, still capable of carrying a series with power and clutch hitting. Rafael Palmeiro provides veteran presence and consistency, though the team overall struggles with depth. Pitching is uneven: Sidney Ponson and Rodrigo Lopez have had flashes but the rotation lacks true dominance. Bullpen is shaky; closer B.J. Ryan is solid but can’t cover all the gaps. Team speed and defense are average; expect small-ball attempts if games get tight.
Phillies (2008) – 92-70, NL East champs, loaded on both sides. Cole Hamels and Brett Myers anchor a deep rotation; Hamels’ postseason experience is a major edge. Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley bring elite offense and situational hitting, while Ryan Howard can change a game with one swing. Pat Burrell adds power depth; bench isn’t glamorous but serviceable. Bullpen led by Brad Lidge is lights-out; lock-down closer with postseason poise. Fielding is top-tier, especially in the infield.
Storylines – Orioles will try to exploit any overconfidence from Philly, leaning on veteran hitters and opportunistic baserunning. Can Tejada carry a struggling lineup past Hamels/Howard? Phillies look to enforce pitching depth and defensive consistency; Hamels vs. Tejada is a marquee matchup. Series could turn on Orioles’ bullpen vs. Phillies’ power hitters.
Weaknesses/Edge – Orioles lack depth, pitching consistency, and high-end bullpen; Phillies have few true weaknesses, maybe a lineup that isn’t extremely fast on the bases. Phillies’ edge is experience, depth, and balance. Orioles’ only hope is hot streaks from Tejada or Palmeiro.
Prediction – Phillies in 5. Depth, pitching, and power likely too much for Orioles to handle consistently, though a couple of games could be tight if Tejada goes off.
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Game 1: Baltimore 2005 Orioles defeat Philadelphia 2008 Phillies, 6-3
Mora Blasts Phillies, Orioles Take Game 1, 6-3
W: E. Bedard (1-0) | L: C. Hamels (0-1) | S: B. Ryan (1)
HR – BAL2005: J. Lopez (1), M. Mora 2 (2), R. Palmeiro (1)
Game 2: Philadelphia 2008 Phillies defeat Baltimore 2005 Orioles, 8-7
Orioles Hammered by Burrell, Drop Game 2 to Phillies
W: R. Seanez (1-0) | L: T. Byrdak (0-1) | S: B. Lidge (1)
HR – BAL2005: J. Gibbons (1), R. Palmeiro (2) | PHI2008: P. Burrell 2 (2), J. Rollins (1), C. Utley (1)
Game 3: Philadelphia 2008 Phillies defeat Baltimore 2005 Orioles, 10-8 (15 innings)
Philadelphia 2008 Takes 2-1 Series Lead Behind 5 RBIs from RF Werth
W: T. Gordon (1-0) | L: A. Rakers (0-1)
HR – PHI2008: P. Feliz (1), J. Werth (1) | BAL2005: J. Gibbons (2)
Game 4: Philadelphia 2008 Phillies defeat Baltimore 2005 Orioles, 6-4
Almost There; Philadelphia 2008 On Cusp of World Series Triumph After Game 4
W: R. Madson (1-0) | L: T. Williams (0-1) | S: R. Seanez (1)
HR – PHI2008: C. Utley (2) | BAL2005: J. Lopez (2)
Game 5: Baltimore 2005 Orioles defeat Philadelphia 2008 Phillies, 5-4
Palmeiro Blasts Phillies, Orioles Take Game 5, 5-4
W: E. Bedard (2-0) | L: C. Hamels (0-2)
HR – BAL2005: R. Palmeiro (3)
Game 6: Baltimore 2005 Orioles defeat Philadelphia 2008 Phillies, 9-5
Phillies Hammered by Palmeiro, Drop Game 6 to Orioles
W: C. Ray (1-0) | L: R. Madson (1-1)
HR – BAL2005: E. Byrnes (1), R. Palmeiro 2 (5), M. Tejada (1) | PHI2008: J. Werth 2 (3)
Game 7: Baltimore 2005 Orioles defeat Philadelphia 2008 Phillies, 14-4
Baltimore 2005 World Series Champions
W: B. Chen (1-0) | L: J. Moyer (0-1)
HR – BAL2005: J. Gibbons (3), L. Matos (1), R. Palmeiro (6), M. Tejada 2 (3) | PHI2008: G. Jenkins (1), J. Rollins (2), S. Victorino (1)
Series MVP: 1B Rafael Palmeiro (Baltimore 2005 Orioles)
2005 Orioles defeat 2008 Phillies 4-3
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