Phillies Preview: NLCS Overview

National League Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies (93-69) v. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)

NLCS Schedule
October 15, 2009, 8:07pm ET - Dodger Stadium
October 16, 2009, 4:07pm ET - Dodger Stadium
October 18, 2009, 8:07pm ET - Citizens Bank Park
October 19, 2009, 8:07pm ET - Citizens Bank Park
October 21, 2009, 8:07pm ET - Citizens Bank Park

The Philadelphia Phillies will collide with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series for the second time in two years. Last season, the Phillies defeated the Dodgers in five games, clinching a World Series berth in Dodgertown. The 2009 versions of these teams are both improved and were the top two teams in the National League this season. For the season series, the Dodgers won four of seven games, including a pair in Philadelphia. The Dodgers will have homefield advantage, and the teams will open the series in Los Angeles this Thursday night.

Playoff History: Los Angeles Dodgers
Playoff Appearances: 28
National League Pennants: 20
World Championships: 7
Last Appearance: Lost 2008 National League Championship Series

Playoff History: Philadelphia Phillies
Playoff Appearances: 12
National League Pennants: 6
World Championships: 2
Last Appearance: Won 2008 World Series

How They Got Here: Los Angeles Dodgers

Last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were dispatched in five games in the National League Championship Series by the Phillies. This year, they got off to a hot start, coasting as the top team in the National League for most of the season. Down the stretch, they struggled, becoming the final team to clinch their division, the National League West, with a game left in the season. However, they still finished with the top record in the National League, winning 95 games. The Dodgers played great at home, with a 50-31 record, while posting a 45-36 record on the road. They only won eight in a row, but only had a season-long five game losing streak during the season. The Dodgers were 28-22 in one-run games, tossing nine shut outs while being shut out themselves eight times. In the first round of the playoffs, they easily swept the St. Louis Cardinals.

How They Got Here: Philadelphia Phillies

After winning the World Series in 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies started slow this season. However, as the weather warmed up, they did too. The team got especially hot through June, July, and August, helping to put away the National League East title. After the All-Star Break, the Phillies' lead in the East never dipped below four games. They finished with a mediocre September and October, going 18-16 in that time. The Phils were 45-36 at home and a Major League-best 48-33 on the road. During the season, they had streaks of 10 straight wins and six straight losses at various points. The Phillies were 24-21 in one-run games, while they shut out their opponents on nine different occasions, and were shut out themselves seven times. The Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies in four games in the NLDS.

Team Statistics: Los Angeles Dodgers
Offense: .270 BA, 780 R, 145 HR, 1,068 K, 116 SB
Defense: .986 FP, 83 E, 134 DP, 39 CS
Pitching: 3.41 ERA, 611 RA, 127 HR, 1,272 K, 44 SV

Team Statistics: Philadelphia Phillies
Offense: .258 BA, 820 R, 224 HR, 1,155 K, 119 SB
Defense: .987 FP, 76 E, 132 DP, 36 CS
Pitching: 4.16 ERA, 709 RA, 189 HR, 1,153 K, 44 SV

Phillies NLCS Previews
Overview, Rotations, Bullpens, Hitters

Game Previews: One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Game Recaps: One, Two, Three, Four, Five