Journal-News.com

The Philadelphia Phillies are halfway to the World Series after taking a 2-0 National League Championship Series lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers with their 8-5 victory Friday, Oct. 10.

In Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0.

Stars of the day

• Shane Victorino, the "Flyin' Hawaiian," drove in four runs as the Phillies overcame another homer by Manny Ramirez and a not-so-great pitching performance by starter Brett Myers.

• Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka took a no-hitter into the seventh and Beavercreek's Justin Masterson got two big outs in the eighth.

Stat of the day

Ramirez, who had been 3-for-21 off Myers before connecting, added to his record with his 27th career postseason homer.

Quotable

"We were pretty shocked to hear it. We really wanted to win today for Charlie." — Phillies closer Brad Lidge, referring to manager Charlie Manuel, who learned of his mom's death before the game.

On deck today

Game 2 of the ALCS finds Josh Beckett on the mound for the Red Sox opposed by hard-throwing Tampa Bay lefty Scott Kazmir. It's a travel day for the NLCS, which resumes Sunday with 45-year-old Jamie Moyer on the mound for the Phillies.