Phillies capture NL East crown
By Rob Maaddi
Associated Press
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PHILADELPHIA — One by one, players grabbed the microphone and told the screaming fans what they wanted to hear.
"We're not done yet," Chase Utley said.
The Fightin' Phils are going back to the playoffs. Just getting there won't be good enough this time.
Jimmy Rollins made a sliding stop with the bases loaded to start a game-ending double play, and the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their second consecutive NL East title by holding off the Washington Nationals, 4-3, yesterday.
Rollins went to his knees to snare Ryan Zimmerman's sharp grounder toward the middle off Brad Lidge. He made an accurate flip to second base with his glove and rejoiced when Utley's relay throw ended it.
"Determination beats talent," Rollins said.
A sellout crowd of 45,177 rocked Citizens Bank Park, waved rally towels and watched the Phillies earn back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 1980-81.
A large banner held up in the left-field stands said: "World Series Or Bust."
The Phillies will open the best-of-five division series at home Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers.
Philadelphia was swept out of the first round by Colorado last season.
Jamie Moyer (16-7) allowed one run and six hits in six innings, matching Hall of Famer Phil Niekro for most wins by a pitcher 45 or older.
St. Anthony High alum Shane Victorino batted 3 for 4 with a run for Philadelphia.