I’m not saying tonight was a must-win, but tonight was a must-win.

Through 5½ innings, the game looked exactly like every other Cole Hamels start this year – give up a couple runs early, get a couple runners on base, strand the runners on base, work your way out of jams.  Honest to God, I saw it happen about 20 times this year.

But then the Phillies came up to bat in the bottom of the 6th…

Sensing that the sweaty mess of a pitcher on the mound for the Dodgers was about ready to give up a few runs, Shane Victorino stepped in the box and took three straight pitches (2 balls, 1 strike) before fouling one off to even the count at 2-2.  Then the speedy center fielder hit a chopper to shortstop and Rafael Furcal tried to hurry the exchange from his glove to throwing hand and wound up slinging the ball a few feet to the right of James Loney.  Loney was pulled off the bag, the ball riccoceted off his glove, and a split-second later, Shane was standing on 2nd base.

It was all reminiscent of the Game 1 win over the Brewers, when Rickie Weeks dropped a juggled toss from Bill Hall at first base opening the flood gates for the eventual 3-run double by Chase Utley.

So, the next batter Lowe faced after the err was again Chase Utley.  One heart-of-the-plate fastball later?

Shortly thereafter, Pat Burrell answered the age-old question: Man or Machine?

After that blast, the Dodgers wouldn’t threaten again. Lidge entered in the ninth — THE END.

But remember — Shane’s speed started everything.

SHAAAAAAAAAAANNEEE!!!!!

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