Let's try this again

The Phillies stand nine outs away from a World Championship - providing they score one more run than the Rays over 4 1/2 innings tonight. I feel less certain about their chances now that Cole Hamels is out of the game, but find me a Phillies fan who wouldn't sign up for this scenario seven weeks ago before the Brewers series.

Before we conclude Game 5 tonight, here's a look back at the wet, wild and weird first half of it from Monday.

We sat out in right field. We couldn't see the pitch count or a large portion of Jayson Werth's territory. But we were in the park for the potential clincher. For the first time in more than a decade, I didn't attempt to keep score or take notes - there was no way with the rain and wind and all the layers of clothes I wore.

The crowd was loud at points, but definitely muted a bit because of the weather. A friend just asked me about the awe and spectacle of being at the World Series, and I had to shrug a bit. It was more just trying to survive the weather than soaking in the atmosphere.

What a weird feeling for what is probably Pat Burrell's last home game in Philadelphia. He's still hitless in the series. The night belonged to Cole Hamels. He survived the slop, giving up two runs (one was very cheap) on a walk, five hits and three strikeouts in six innings. And even though we couldn't see the pitch count, we knew he would have pitched more if the game didn't end after six innings. We were surprised to later learn his count was only at 75. And, there is no way he would give up that second run in the 6th if the field were dry.

I'm still concerned about the offense. They had Scott Kazmir on the ropes but could only muster the two first inning runs on Shane Victorino's bases loaded single. Tonight, they need to come out angry and prove to the world that they are champions no matter what is thrown their way.

The Phillies relievers, pictured here walking out to the bullpen Monday even though they wouldn't be needed for a couple of days, should be well-rested and able to get the nine outs. Game starts at 8:37 after Barack Obama's talk; the partying should start about 9:48.

Observations from the stands: For the World Series, a lot of people were clueless about the game. I'd expect it in the rich seats, but not in our section. The guy next to us cheered for the Hawaiian Thunder. His lady friend had to correct him. He was also taken aback that there were so many umpires on the field. There was another stupid comment behind us, but I forget the details. ... Brad Lidge got his Delivery Man of the Year Award. ... John Oates, filling in for the ill Daryl Hall, sang the National Anthem, one of the better renditions of the playoffs. ... Jim Bunning threw out the first pitch. ... Will they have such festivities before the resumption of the game?

We saw one of our favorites, Doug Glanville, deliver the game ball. I took it as an omen, like the fact the game was played on the same date the Red Sox clinched the 2004 World Series. ... The ballpark's coffee wasn't as bad as I expected. They also served chili, soup, cupcakes and cookies. We were too wet and too cold to try them.

Peeves: I think we weathered the weather pretty well. We had layers and ponchos, but our gloves and coat sleeves got soaked. When we were walking in the concourse, I removed my gloves and kept squeezing water out of my hands as if they were a sponge. ... It's hard to pee with numb hands and three layers of pants. ... Walking into the stadium, we smelled the food from the large tents Major League Baseball set up for VIP post-game parties. Walking out, we heard a band playing inside. Who the hell can party after what had happened? ... We're not calling for Bud Selig's head, like many are, but we just wish he had called the game at a fair point - not when the Rays had an extra half inning to take a lead because of the sloppy field.

Enjoy the conclusion of Game 5 - finally a playoff game that should end in prime time. We'll check back Thursday night to hopefully post a picture of Burrell, Elvis and a trophy.