Philadelphia Phillies ace, Cliff Lee, showed he would not be intimidated by the raucous atmosphere of playoff baseball, sparkling throughout the entire game.

Having played on a team that went to the playoffs in 2007, Lee was on the Indians but was left off of the postseason roster. Without any prior postseason experience, many were skeptical of manager, Charlie Manuel’s decision to start Lee over Cole Hamels. Lee put all critics to silence on Wednesday afternoon, tossing a complete game while allowing only one run. 

Lee’s fastball was popping seeming to be his best pitch of the day, which allowed him to setup the batter for the slider, his out pitch. The lefty scatted six hits over nine-innings, whiffing five. Not only did he pitch, Lee got a hit in his first postseason game as well, and stole his first postseason base.

His shutout was broken up in the ninth on a Tulowitzki double that plated Carlos Gonzalez. Gonzalez might not have been at second base so easily if the Phillies wouldn’t have let him advance on a fielder’s indifference. Although, with his speed, Gonzalez probably would’ve scored from first on the double anyway.

Swirling winds swooped in and out of Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia, playing tricks on the fielders. The strong winds played a factor in the game, not allowing a ball to leave the ballpark for a home run (which rarely happens at Citizens Bank Park).

Lee helped stifle a Rockies team that had all of the momentum in the world coming into the playoffs. His outing not only helped the Phillies win the game, but it saved the bullpen, and more importantly, made the tough decision of who will close the ballgames, at least a day easier for Manuel, who has yet to give definite answer to the question.

Philadelphia jumped out to 1-0 lead in the series against the Rockies. Aaron Cook will be on the bump for the Rockies, with Hamels opposing him tomorrow afternoon.