PHILADELPHIA — The games were played so long ago that many of the players in the Dodgers clubhouse say they don't think they'll be of any significance in the coming days.
But Manager Joe Torre said the Dodgers' two victories at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park during a three-game series in May were important.
In particular, Torre singled out a 5-3 victory May 14. Closer Jonathan Broxton gave up a two-run lead in the ninth inning, but Russell Martin and Matt Kemp responded in the 10th inning with run-scoring doubles.
"I think it helps because last year we were blanked here," Torre said.
The Dodgers were swept in a four-game series in the regular season here last year. They returned in the National League Championship Series and lost Games 1 and 2.
Players are expecting the kind of hostile welcome in Game 3 tonight that they received here last year.
"They're very passionate," said Jim Thome, a former Phillie. "I think as the visitor team going in there, you have to focus on what you're trying to do and not get caught up into that. But they love their home team."
But Rafael Furcal said the experience of playing here a season ago should benefit the Dodgers.
"I think we've played well on the road," Furcal said.
"We beat St. Louis in their place and they had 40,000-50,000 of their people on their side."
No rotation shuffling
The Dodgers and Phillies are scheduled for a day off Tuesday after Game 4, but Torre said he had no plans to reshuffle his rotation, adding that he expected Clayton Kershaw to start in Game 5.
The day off would allow Game 2 starter Vicente Padilla to pitch Game 5 on a regular four-days' rest.
Kershaw, 21, faltered in the fifth inning of Game 1. He was charged with five runs and set an NLCS record by throwing three wild pitches in the inning.
"You know, he's a young man that we feel strongly about," Torre said. "Is he still learning? Sure. Is he afraid to go out there? No. And that was certainly a big part in our making the decision to pitch him in Game 1.
"I anticipate he'll be the Game 5 starter."
Weathering it
The forecast for the Philadelphia area this evening calls for a 60% chance of rain and a low of 37 degrees, quite the departure from the 93-degree temperature at Dodger Stadium in Game 2.
It is also expected to be windy, with gusts reaching 25 mph.
