Tag: world series

Whew.  This game was much closer than it should have been, due to some runs scored in the late innings, but the Phils held on to win their second game of this 2009 World Series and send it all back to New York for Game 6.

Unlike last night’s game, where the Phils clawed their way back into a 4-4 tie in the 9th, only to see the Yanks score three runs in the top of the inning to win 7-4, the Phillies offense scored enough runs for the bullpen to hold onto the win.

OK, so I wrote that I saw the Phillies being up 2-0 heading to Citizens Bank Park, and clearly I was wrong.  Last night’s game should have been a win, and the Phils at this point should be up 3-2 instead of the other way around.  That being said, I’ve also seen a certain team from Boston come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the ALCS by taking each and every game one at a time, and a certain pitcher from that 2004 Red Sox team is now taking the mound for the Phillies.  I like Pedro picking up the ball at Yankee Stadium one more time, on regular rest, but the Phillies bats need to produce or this thing will be all done on Wednesday night.  No predictions here, but I do believe that the Phils can win against Pettitte on short rest, and send this to a winner-take-all Game 7.

Go Phils !!  Go Phils !!  Go Phils !!

Phillies take Game 1, with a completely dominating performance from Cliff Lee.  Complete game, near shut-out, 10 strikeouts (9 swinging) and no walks.  Chase Utley put the Phils up 2-0 with two solo home runs off C C Sabathia, and the Yankees were never in the game.

Pedro Martinez starts for the Phils tomorrow night, to throw his first post-season pitches at Yankee Stadium since game 7 of the 2004 ALCS when the Sox trounced the Yanks on my birthday.  I can hear the “Who’s Your Daddy” chants already, but I have to believe that Pedro will be pumped and ready to go.  I like the Phillies chances against A. J. Burnett, and can see them heading back to Philadelphia up 2-0.

Let’s go Phils !

Geez, this is something I had only ever imagined would ever occur, but 59 years after the Yankees swept the Whiz Kids in the 1950 World Series, the Phillies and the Yankees will meet again in the 2009 World Series.

I expect this time, the Phillies will prevail, to defend their 2008 World Series title.  The frustrating part is that living here in the metro-New York area, the local media is heralding the Yanks as the team-to-beat, the natural choice as the best team in baseball, due to a lack of appreciation and awareness of the Phillies and their abilities.

Too bad Harry Kalas isn’t here to call the Series games, and to knock John Sterling on his ass. 

Let’s go Phils!