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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Stairs blast lifts Phillies past Dodgers


By Jahmal Corner

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Matt Stairs belted a pinch-hit two-run homer to lift Philadelphia to a 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday and a 3-1 lead in the National League Championship Series.

Stairs's moon shot to right field, the final blow in a fluctuating contest, capped a four-run eighth inning for the Phillies and was his first career homer in the post-season.

Stairs, acquired by the Phillies from the Toronto Blue Jays on August 30 as a reserve player, came through when it mattered despite limited playing time this year.

"It's something I look forward to, to get an opportunity in a situation where it's an important time in the game," Stairs told reporters. "(I was) very fortunate to connect on one tonight."

Stairs's big swing came just three at-bats after Shane Victorino drilled a game-tying two-run homer that just cleared the right-field fence off Dodgers pitcher Cory Wade.

The teams combined to use 13 pitchers with Philadelphia reliever Brad Lidge recording the save after retiring Los Angeles for the final four outs.

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe surrendered two runs during a tough start but settled in to finish five innings.

The post-season veteran was pitching on just three days rest and was replaced after just 74 pitches, a move that came back to hurt Los Angeles.

"He had to work hard every inning -- it just looked like he was fighting his emotions the whole game," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said of his starter. "I just decided to make the move there."

TOOK CONTROL

The Dodgers took control of the game by scoring two runs apiece in the fifth and sixth innings.

Manny Ramirez, who was 2-for-2 with three walks, had an RBI single in the fifth against Philadelphia starter Joe Blanton, who went five innings and allowed three runs.

Casey hit a solo homer in the sixth in which Los Angeles claimed a 5-3 lead.

"We don't quit, and we keep coming and play all 27 outs," said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

Chase Utley was 3-for-5 and had an RBI single in the first, his ninth straight playoff game hitting safely, where Philadelphia scored twice to take an early 2-0 edge.

Game Five in the best-of-seven series is on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.

"We can't give up, we're still in this," said Dodgers first baseman James Loney.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Ed Osmond)

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