Special Sub-Topic: 2008 World Series Click Here To Play: 2008 World Series

The Phillies were making their first series appearance since 1993. Who did they defeat in the NLCS to book their place in the Fall Classic?

Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies defeated the Brewers 3-1 in the NL Division Series before eliminating the Dodgers 4-1 in the NLCS.

The Rays were making their first-ever World Series appearance. Who were their victims in the ALCS?

Boston Red Sox. The Rays had never even had a winning season prior to 2008, but turned things around big style to win the AL East, defeating the White Sox 3-1 in the AL Division Series, then edging out the defending World Series champion Red Sox in the ALCS.

Game 1 of the 2008 World Series took place at Tropicana Field, St Petersburg. Which pitcher won the game for the Phillies?

Cole Hamels. The Phillies grabbed a vital road win behind the arm of Hamels, who struck out five batters for a 2.57 ERA as Philadelphia won the game 3-2.

The Rays rebounded in game 2 with a 4-2 victory to square the series at 1-1. Which Rays pitcher was awarded the win after pitching 5-2/3 scoreless innings?

James Shields. The Rays jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 4 innings, and withstood a late Phillies comeback to travel to Philadelphia all-square in the series.

The Phillies hit three home runs in game 3 at Citizens Bank Park, but which of these sluggers didn't hit one of them?

Jimmy Rollins. Rollins did grab the opening run of the game in the bottom of the first though.

The winning run in game 3 came off the first walkoff infield single in World Series history, hit by which Phillie?

Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies won a nailbiting game 5-4, with Eric Bruntlett scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning. The winning hit came from the bat of Ruiz.

The Phillies took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 10-2 victory in game 4. Who became the first pitcher since 1974 to hit a World Series home run when he homered in the bottom of the 5th?

Joe Blanton. Blanton's home run off Edwin Jackson was the first in a World Series by a pitcher since Ken Holtzman of the Oakland Athletics in 1974. Blanton was also the winning pitcher in the game as the Phillies moved to within one win of their first title since 1980.

Game 5 of the 2008 World Series began on Monday, October 27th, but didn't finish until Wednesday October, 29th. What caused the delay?

Torrential rain made the infield unplayable. Rain had fallen throughout the game, and in the middle of the 6th inning, with the scores tied at 2-2, Commissioner Bud Selig made the decision to postpone the game until weather conditions improved.

After resuming game 5 which was delayed, the Phillies clinched the series with a 4-3 victory. Which pinch-runner scored what proved to be the winning run in the 7th inning?

Eric Bruntlett. The Phillies' 28-year wait for their 2nd World Series title was finally over! Bruntlett's run, courtesy of a Pedro Feliz single, gave them a 4-3 lead, and Brad Lidge got the final out to bring to an end the Rays' fairytale season.

Which Phillie received the 2008 World Series MVP award?

Cole Hamels. Hamels started games one and five for the Phillies, and finished the series with an ERA of 2.77 and eight strikeouts.