The Philadelphia Phillies returned home Thursday morning after clinching the National League pennant in Los Angeles, and a few dozen fans chanted their excitement - and their hope - as the team buses pulled into Citizens Bank Park. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Brett Myers (sprained left ankle) was injured in Game 2 of the NLCS but said it's not bad enough to keep him from starting Game 6. 

Standing outside the cramped visitor's clubhouse at Dodger Stadium, a room that reeked from champagne and beer, Charlie Manuel recounted a conversation with his mother last Thursday. 

--LHP Cole Hamels won the NLCS MVP award after winning Game 5 Wednesday night. 

The postseason history of the Philadelphia Phillies: 

The postseason history of the Philadelphia Phillies: 

Cole Hamels dominated the Dodgers in winning the opener and clincher of the NL championship series. 

The losingest team in pro sports history was soaked in champagne and whooping it up Wednesday night. 

The losingest team in pro sports history was soaked in champagne and whooping it up Wednesday night. 

Jimmy Rollins got the Phillies rollin' with a leadoff homer and they kept right on going. 

Matt Stairs hadn't gotten many plate appearances lately -- he'd had only two at-bats through the Phillies' first seven postseason games. 

--LHP Cole Hamels watched from the Phillies' dugout Monday night as Dodgers RHP Derek Lowe made his fourth career start on short rest. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Brett Myers (sprained left ankle) was injured in Game 2 of the NLCS but said it's not bad enough to keep him from starting Game 6. 

The Phillies have big hitters up and down their lineup. 

One day after hitting the most significant home run of his career, Matt Stairs went about his business as though nothing ever happened - which helps explain why he's still around at age 40 after 12 full seasons in the big leagues.