The Philadelphia Phillies, behind Roy Halladay‘s eighth complete game of the season, became the first team to clinch a playoff berth in 2011 with their 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros. The Phillies clinched a playoff spot with what they do best — pitch.

Halladay was masterful in his complete game performance. He allowed just six hits and one walk, while striking out seven. The shutout was his first of the season.

The Phillies scored their lone run in the first inning when Placido Polanco singled home Shane Victorino, who led off the game with a double. Other than that, the Phillies didn’t do much against Bud Norris and a couple of relievers.

This will be the Phillies fifth consecutive playoff appearance and they will be the odds-on favorite when the postseason begins. It would be a major upset if they don’t make it out of the National League and to the World Series. They are head and shoulders above the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL.

By clinching so early, the Phillies will now have plenty of time to set their rotation for the NLDS. My guess is they go Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. Vance Worley will serve as their “swing-man.”

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By The Baseball Index