PHILADELPHIA — For the last month, through the magical carpet ride that has take them in more directions than Manny Ramirez’s dreadlocks, this was the lurking concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At some point would the clock strike midnight with a valet pulling up in a pumpkin?
Everything has gone right for four weeks, with pitchers getting hot, hitters committing to a selfless approach and the bullpen duct-taping the door shut even without closer Takashi Saito. But what if the ace Derek Lowe, who hasn’t lost a postseason game since 2003, loses his cool?
Lowe had the equivalent of a spasm in a forgettable sixth inning, that suddenly has the Dodgers aching for redemption after a 3-2 loss Thursday to the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of the National League Championship Series.
Those Dodgers’ fans who have endured 20 years without a World Series title worried there might be a night like this, where winds sprinkled away the magic dust. On two pitches, the NLCS changed, leaving the Dodgers in a precarious position Friday with their blossoming right-hander Chad Billingsley on the mound.
A shutout changed to an expletive after Chase Utley lined a two-run home run into the right-field seats. That shot tied the game and left Lowe furious. With Shane Victorino aboard courtesy of Rafael Furcal’s throwing error – he rushed as Victorino hustled down the line – Utley crushed a sinker. Those familiar with the Rockies have seen this before, with Brad Hawpe’s swing path aligned perfectly against Lowe on numerous occasions.
This home run angered Lowe because it confused him. For a second, he forgot where he was. He raced to back up a throw at the plate, believing the ball would be caught. At Dodger Stadium it would have most certainly landed in a glove or on the warning track. In Citizens Bank Park, where there’s no humidor and little length to the fences, it reached the seats.
Moments later, an unnerved Lowe surrendered a solo home run to Phillies’ left fielder Pat Burrell. Just like that, the perfect script was covered in graffiti. Phillies’ starter Cole Hamels needed little support, holding the Dodgers to two runs – of course Manny Ramirez knocked in one – over seven innings.
Cherry Creek alum Brad Lidge closed out the ninth with his 44th consecutive save this season.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
