Brewers defeat Phillies to keep series alive

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 at home on Saturday to stave off elimination from their National League Division Series with a hard fought Game Three victory.

"It's probably the first night that I have ever understood how homefield advantage is pretty important," Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy, who had three hits and drove in a run, told reporters. "Those fans were awesome."

Philadelphia took the first two games of the best-of-five series at home and can still advance with a Game Four victory in Milwaukee on Sunday.

The Brewers, in the playoffs for the first time since 1982, scored twice in the first inning and kept the lead behind the pitching of Dave Bush and a strong bullpen.

Bush gave up five hits and one run over five-plus innings. The Milwaukee relievers shut out the Phillies the rest of the way.

"I don't think I would have envisioned this," Bush told reporters after gaining the win. "It was a big thrill. Being out there was a great experience for me."

Trailing 4-1, Philadelphia loaded the bases in the ninth inning and appeared to score a run off Pedro Feliz's double-play grounder to third.

However, Shane Victorino was called for interference at second base for not sliding and the base runners were sent back to second and third.

"I give the umpires a lot of credit for taking the time to get that play right," interim Brewers manager Dale Sveum, who had asked for ruling, told reporters.

Carlos Ruiz's grounder then ended the game.

Should Milwaukee even the series on Sunday, the teams will return to Philadelphia for a deciding Game Five on Tuesday.

(Writing by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by John O'Brien)