Cole Hamels vs. Derek Lowe as NLCS opens tonight

Philadelphia Phillies' Cole Hamels answers a question before baseball batting practice Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Phillies play the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League championship series on Thursday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) PHILADELPHIA -- The weatherman is calling for beautiful early autumn weather when the National League Championship Series begins Thursday night in the City of Brotherly Love. The NL East champion Phillies will send Cole Hamels to the mound to face Derek Lowe of the West-winning Dodgers. The winner of the best-of-seven series goes to determine who goes to the World Series. Phils manager Charlie Manuel says he'll go with Brett Myers for Friday night's Game 2, followed by Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton. Dodgers manager Joe Torre sends Chad Billingsley out for Game 2, with... [read full story]