While logging on to ESPN.com to find some stats, I came across this story - which could be a boon to the Phils chances of collecting their first World Championship since 1980.

Why?

A rain-out Saturday would mean Cole Hamels would pitch in Game 4, not Game 5. The earlier you can send Hamels back out there, the better your odds are for winning a game.

So imagine this scenario: the Phils split the next two games, tonight and Sunday. Hamels, who will pitch Monday on four days' rest either way, could put the Phils up 3-1 if Game 4 is Monday.

Then Brett Myers is handed the ball in Philly, where he thrives off the home crowd. And you have to imagine the home crowd will be buzzing just a tad in anticipation of a World Championship-clinching victory, right?

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

Hamels added another chapter to a memorable playoff run Wednesday night.

He wasn't dominant, but he utilized his crazy-good changeup in unison with his sneaky-fast heater to keep Tampa off balance in Game 1. Hamels got beat a few times - Crawford's HR, Iwamura's double and even Upton's smash (which Feliz stabbed for a double play) - but the 24-year-old left-hander made a 3-0 lead stand up.

Hamels has four wins in four postseason starts, moving him one victory away from trying the all-time record for wins in a postseason.

But Game 1 is history. Honestly, they had to win Game 1 if they hope to win the series.

Consequently, Tampa has to win Game 2. The matchup: James Shields (9-2 with a 2.59 ERA at Tropicana Field this year) vs. Brett Myers (3-8 with a 6.21 ERA away from Citizens Bank Park).

Those numbers would appear to favor the Rays. But don't doubt Myers' thirst to up the Phils series lead to 2-0 before the arrive in Philadelphia early Friday morning.

The headache-inducing cowbells could motivate Myers to pick up where Hamels left off and silence the Rays. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard hasn't homered yet in the postseason, and as good as "Big Game" James Shields has been, he's not bulletproof.

Shields allowed 24 home runs in the regular season - only 10 American League pitchers gave up more.