Phillies Clinch Fifth Straight NL East Title
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Roy Oswalt threw seven dominant innings, Raul Ibanez hit a grand slam and the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their fifth straight NL East title with a 9-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.
In a season where nothing less than a World Series championship would be considered a success, there wasn't much of a celebration on the field. The Phillies had a been-there, done-that attitude toward winning the division last year, and this time was no different.
Players ran onto the field a bit faster than usual, but they simply exchanged handshakes, hugs and high-fives as if this was an ordinary game in April. They did, however, put on shirts and hats proclaiming themselves division champs.
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