It's pretty well known in the sports world that Philly fans are a different breed.  They've had to bear the burden to many titles, some appropriately earned.  From "Classless" to "Dedicated", they've heard them all.  Thankfully for the fans of the Phillies, their team is about as hard-headed as they are.

Despite the national push toward the coronation of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the champions of the world and the title of "Ultimate Feel Good Story of 2008", the Philadelphia Phillies aren't cooperating in the least.  With a total smack-down of the Rays in Game 4, the Phillies are one win away from coup to wrestle perhaps both titles away from the sting-less Rays.

After forgetting to pack their bats on the trip to Tampa Bay for Games 1&2, the Philly bats have come alive at home to the tune of 15 runs and 19 hits.  Shoot, even Joe Blanton decided to swing a stick for the Phils, contributing a home run in Game 4.

So what does all this mean for Game 5?  Can the Phils seal the deal at home with their ace, Cole Hamels, on the mound?  Or will the Rays rebound and find the offensive stroke that allowed them to establish an American League record for most home runs in a postseason? 

The Rays Can Win IF:
They find a way to get hits.  If the Rays are going to keep their magical season alive, they're going to have to hit.  And hit.  And hit.  (And maybe hit some more)  Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena are hitless in the series and have struck out a combined nine times in the past two games.  Obviously, it's a problem when your team's third and fourth batters nearly have more strikeouts (9) than your team has hits (11).

Another thing that has to happen for the Rays is that Scott Kazmir has to pitch lights-out.  The Phils have finally gotten on a roll and none of the Rays pitchers have had an answer for them.  Garza paid dearly for some missed pitches, as did Sonnastine.  Kazmir is going to have to hit his spots and hope for the best.  He did a great job in Game 1 and he'll have to have a repeat performance to keep his team alive.


The Phillies Can Win IF:
They avoid all they hoopla around the city.  Fox has spent all weekend reminding national viewers that the Phillies, Eagles, and The Who concert made for a jam-packed day in Philadelphia.  If that wasn't bad enough, a Philly television station decided to replay Game 6 of the 1980 World Series.  How's that for pressure?  Not only is this title-starved city depending on you to end this drought, but they replay a game that has pretty much been burned in the memory of every Philadelphia sports fan since October 21, 1980.  For all the stories about that 1980 team, including from resident AARP representative Jamie Moyer, the Phillies have to stay focused on a very dangerous Rays team.  If they can maintain the focus for Game 5, with Hamels on the mound, they have an excellent shot to end the series in front of the hometown fans.

So what will happen in Game Five?  I'd be shocked if the Rays came out flat.  Joe Maddon seems to be able to find ways to rally his team.  They play hard for him and I assume they'll play like there's no pressure on them.  And who knows how deep Maddon will dive into his bag of tricks?  Let's not forget he was a coach for the Angels when they unleashed the Rally Monkey on America.  Are we in for another similar treat?

Will that enthusiasm be enough to get Maddon's team back to Tampa for a Game 6?  If I were a betting man, I'd say no.  The Phils are tearing the cover off of the ball.  They may not light up Kazmir like a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween night, but they should be able to manage a few runs for the cause.  With Cole Hamels on the mound, that might be all they need.  My prediction is that the only monkey on display in Philly Monday night will be property of the Philadelphia Zoo.