Phils ace Hamels trying to enter fifth dimension

ESPN.com

Updated: October 27, 2008

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A fifth postseason victory by Cole Hamels would clinch a World Series title for the Phillies.

HIGH-FIVE FOR HAMELS?

By Mark Simon, ESPN Research

WORLD SERIES GAME 5
Rays at Phillies
8 p.m. ET, ESPN Radio
World Series page
Cole Hamels has a chance to make history in his start in Game 5 of the World Series. With another dominant performance, Hamels would improve to 5-0 and tie the record for most wins in a postseason.

Francisco Rodriguez and Randy Johnson have both previously won five games in the postseason, but Hamels would be unique in that he won't have any defeats. Hamels was only 7-7 at Citizens Bank Park in the regular season, but his 2-0 mark this October has shown he's a completely different pitcher at this point in the season.

Most Wins, Single Postseason
PITCHER TEAM WINS
Francisco Rodriguez 2002 Angels *5
Randy Johnson 2001 Diamondbacks *5
Cole Hamels 2008 Phillies 4
Josh Beckett 2007 Red Sox *4
Curt Schilling 2001 Diamondbacks *4
David Wells 1998 Yankees *4
Livan Hernandez 1997 Marlins *4
John Smoltz 1996 Braves 4
Orel Hershiser 1995 Indians 4
Jack Morris 1991 Twins *4
Dave Stewart 1989 A's *4
Burt Hooton 1981 Dodgers *4
* -- team won the World Series

Scott Kazmir's biggest problem pitching on the road in 2008 has been keeping the ball in the ballpark. Kazmir has allowed home runs with alarming frequency and Citizens Bank Park isn't friendly to pitchers like that. To be successful on Monday, Kazmir will need to buck that trend, much like he did in his lone postseason start at Fenway Park in the ALCS.

Scott Kazmir on the road
Regular Season Postseason
W-L 4-6 0-0
ERA 4.10 0.00
IP-HR 74 2/3-14 6-0
Starts 13 1

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TIME WHO'S ON?
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Analysts: John Kruk, Steve Phillips,
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Buster Olney, Fernando Vina

BBTN MINUTE: PREVIEWING GAME 5

STAT OF THE DAY

Inside Edge According to Inside Edge's scouting data, Rays lefty and World Series Game 5 starter Scott Kazmir was one of the most likely pitchers this year to walk the leadoff batter of an inning.

Here's how Kazmir compares to the other starting pitchers playing in the Fall Classic (league average is 7.1 percent):

Facing leadoff batters in 2008
Pitcher Walk Percentage
Brett Myers 3.9
Jamie Moyer 4.0
Cole Hamels 4.0
James Shields 4.5
Andy Sonnanstine 5.3
Joe Blanton 6.8
Matt Garza 7.0
Scott Kazmir 11.9

THIS DATE IN POSTSEASON HISTORY: OCT. 27

1985: The Kansas City Royals become the sixth team ever to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series behind MVP Bret Saberhagen, who blanks the Cardinals 11-0 in Game 7.

1991: In one of the greatest Game 7 pitching performances, Jack Morris shuts out the Braves over 10 innings as the Twins win 1-0 to capture their second World Series title in five years.

2002: The Angels win their first-ever World Series title as rookie John Lackey pitches them past the Giants, 4-1, in Game 7.

2004: After 86 years of hard luck and agony, the Red Sox finally win a World Series. Boston blanks the Cardinals 3-0 to complete a four-game sweep.