2009 World Series – The 6th game – Perhaps the finest game in the chase for the tropy and the ring between these National and American League teams. The games have been competitive for the fans and the 2008 World Series Champions Philadelphia Phillies have played the Yankees as the champs they are. It has been no nonsence play.
It is the battle of the senior pitchers of the game. Phillies 38 year old Pedro Martinez vs. Yankees 37 year old Andy Pettitte. The pitchers first started games against each other on May 31, 1998. They remain among the best in the game. Pedro and Andy.
Designated hitter Hideki Matsui anxious to get his first World Series ring with Major League Baseball has dominated his game and contributed during the 2009 playoffs with 4 home runs and 13 RBIs. Matsui is in the final year of his contract. A long career in Japan continued by record consecutive games in left field for the Yankees have rendered his knees. During playoff he has performed a perfect DH off the bench. With Hideki Matsui, the Yankees have a 7- 2 lead at the top of the 6 inning.
Andy Pettitte out pitched Pedro Martinez who left the game after pitching 4 innings. Martinez charged with 4 runs, 3 hits, 1 HR, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts and hit a batter. He threw 77 pitches, 46 for strikes.
Andy Pettitte was replaced by relief pitcher Job Chamberlain at the top of the 6th inning. Pitching 5-2/3 innings, 3 runs, 4 hits, 1HR, 5 walks and 3 strikeouts and one wild pitch. Pettitte threw 94 pitches, 50 for strikes.
Play continues with relievers from both teams pitching for the defeat of each other. The 7th inning stretch finds the Yankees ahead 7 – 3.
World Series victory is near at hand for the Yankees as the bull pen holds the 4 game lead for the all time saves leader with 14 career postseaon saves – Mariano Rivera. The future Hall of Fame closer enters the game in the 8th inning. The rest is history, sweetened by celebration of champagne.
World Series game one, over. Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees numbers now into the Major League Baseball records. Cliff Lee vs. C.C. Sabathia and two power house lineups. Final Score Phillies 6 – Yankees 1.
Game 2. Who’s your daddy Pedro Martinez challenges A.J. Burnett. No rain. Just a beautiful night for a World Series game. Prior to game time, an emotional presentation on the field of the Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award to Yankees Captain Derek Jeter. The Award recognized the shortstop’s performance off the field of baseball, community involvement with the Turn Two Foundation.
The game started with New York’s starter Burnett surrendering the first run of the game to Philadelphia. While Pedro Martinez took over where last night’s starter Lee left off, striking out Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez. During 2 games, A -Rod has swung his bat for Ks six times in his 7 turns at bat. It is back to back strike outs for Rodriguez.
We guessed it would be a show of talent of Yankees and Phillies during this 105th Major League Baseball Fall Classic and the fans are into the game. Top of the 4th inning, 1st Base Mark Teixeira adds to the noise of the fans with a lead off, long, centerfield home run. It’s an inning by inning match of pitching, 4 hits for Philadelpia, 4 for New York. Yankees 2 – Philadelphia 1.
Yankees, bottom of the 7th. Jerry Hairston, Jr. leads off with a single to right field. Brett Gardner pinch runner for Hairston. Melky Cabrera hits a single, Gardner at 3rd. Pedro Martinez exits the game and is replaced by Chan Ho Park. Jorge Posada who enters the game for catcher Jose Molina connects a single, scoring Gardner. Yankees 3 – Philadelphia 1. Derek Jeter attempts bunt and strikes out for the 3rd time, a record for the Captain during a post season game. The inning comes to an end with a questionable 3-3-6 double play, Jorge Posado out at 2nd base. Top of the 8th inning, Mariano Rivera enters the game in relief of Burnett. Stay tuned.