Keys to the game

From the Baseball Digest Daily Blog:

PHILLIES THREE KEYS TO WINNING

1. Win Game One
   While this is almost a no brainer in any series, this Game One has added importance because of the Sabathia factor. Notoriously, the Phillies have found a way to lose for Hamels and if Gallardo’s health was not a concern, this game might be closer to a pick’em.
2. Better Production From Big Four
   Last year, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell were a combined 9-for-45 (.200) in last year’s NLDS and only Rollins had more than one RBI. Scary news came out of Tuesday’s practice that Burrell left batting practice with a stiff back. Even though Burrell has struggled, the club is better with Burrell in the lineup than without him.
3. Make The Bullpens A Factor
   The Phillies had the best bullpen in the National League. The ‘pen was a combined 33-23 with a 3.19 ERA. And then there’s Lidge who is 41-for-41 in save opportunities and a 1.10 ERA in save situations.

BREWERS THREE KEYS TO WINNING

1. Avoid Postseason Jitters
   While Sabathia and Suppan have a decent amount of postseason experience, only Jason Kendall and Mike Cameron have playoff time of the team’s starters. The bulk of the team’s key players are getting their first playoff experience and, as the Phillies can attest, the postseason is a whole new ballgame.
2. Make Sabathia A Factor
   The Brewers are 14-3 (.823) when Sabathia starts and 76-69 (.524) when he does not. The big advantage that the Brewers have is with Sabathia pitching Games Two and Five, the Phillies have to either beat Sabathia or win on the road twice to beat Milwaukee. However, the Phillies owned the best road record in the National League and have favorable road pitching match-ups.
3. Keep The Game Close
   The Brewers are 28-17 in one-run games but 25-22 in blowouts (games decided by five-plus runs). The Phillies are 27-23 in one-run games and 21-14 in blowouts. Milwaukee also has a winning record in extra innings and the Phillies do not so if the games stay close, the Brewers historically have the advantage.