Dodgers-Phillies pregame report, starting lineups

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PHILADELPHIA -- The stakes may be higher and the spotlight brighter, but when Derek Lowe takes the mound at Citizens Bank Park to start the National League Championship Series tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies, he’ll treat it no differently than a mid-May start against the Cincinnati Reds.

‘Just pitch the same way you did throughout the season,’ Lowe said of his approach to the post-season. ‘I think it’s how you deal with pressure. The only reason why you would be nervous is if you’re not prepared. And I’ve always prided myself on being prepared.’

And that’s translated into a 5-4 career record in the post-season, including a Game 1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series this year and series-clinching wins in the division series, league championship series and World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2004.

Adding to Lowe’s confidence is the fact he’s never lost at Citizens Bank. As expected, the Dodgers left former all-star closer Takashi Saito off their roster for the series, replacing him with left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo.

Both pitchers have been troubled by arm problems but the addition of Kuo, a left-hander, gives the Dodgers an extra option against Philadelphia’s potent left-handed bats.

In Saito’s absence hard-throwing Jonathan Broxton will close games for the Dodgers. He pitched 3 1/3 hitless innings out of the bullpen in the three-game sweep of the Cubs.

Dodgers lineup

SS - Rafael Furcal

RF - Andre Ethier

LF – Manny Ramirez

C- Russell Martin

1B – James Loney

CF – Matt Kemp

3B – Casey Blake

2B – Blake DeWitt

P - Derek Lowe

Phillies lineup

SS – Jimmy Rollins

CF – Shane Victorino

2B – Chase Utley

1B – Ryan Howard

LF – Pat Burrell

RF – Jayson Werth

3B – Pedro Feliz

C - Carlos Ruiz

P - Cole Hamels

-- Kevin Baxter