Cole Hamels continues to solidify himself as the new Mr. October, going seven innings and allowing just two runs on five hits. James Shields’ nickname may be Big Game James, but that title clearly belongs to Hamels. Coming into Wednesday night’s game, Hamels was 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in some of the biggest games in Phillies history.

“Maybe he doesn’t even realize where he is right now,” pitcher Jamie Moyer said of Hamels. “But at some point he will.”

Hamels allowed one run in two separate innings against the Rays. The first was a solo shot to Carl Crawford in the bottom of the fourth. The next inning, Akinori Iwamura doubled home Jason Bartlett, and that would be it. Hamels would go seven innings and then the Phillies’ bullpen came in and did what they have done all year, shut down the opposition. Ryan Madson and closer Brad Lidge faced just six total batters with three combined strikeouts.

“You’re seeing why a closer is so important in today’s game,” Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said. “And we’re fortunate to have one of the best.”

It was Lidge’s sixth save of the postseason after going a perfect 41 for 41 in the regular season.

The Phillies pitching had to be as good as it was last night as the Phillies’ offense was only able to muster three runs after stradning a major league World Series record 13 men in scoring position. Chase Utley put the Phillies on the board early, hitting a two-run homerun in the top of the first inning. Carlos Ruiz would ground out in the top of the fourth to drive in Shane Victorino for what would be the winning run.

Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins continue to struggle in October, going a combined 0-9 with five strikeouts; the bottom of the order went a combined 2-10, with both hits coming from third baseman Pedro Feliz; and they continue to struggle with men in scoring position. Nevertheless, the Phillies won, which is what they have done all year. Regardless of what adversities they find themselves facing, the Phillies find ways to overcome those obstacles. This is a gritty, tough team that finds ways to win. It’s not always pretty, but they get it done, and that’s what counts.

Brett Myers takes the mound against James Shields in Game 2 Thursday night.