World Series Yankees Phillies Game 6 Preview
Yankees Miss Chance for Title but Take 3-2 Lead Back to New York
Nov 4, 2009
What should have been an insurmountable 8-2 lead for the Phillies came precipitously close to a full collapse in the eight and ninth innings of Game 5.
Game 5 Recap Philadelphia Phillies 8, New York Yankees 6
The Yankees drew first blood in Game 5 when Alex Rodriguez doubled to right, cashing in Johnny Damon. This lead was quickly shot when Chase Utley creamed a longball over the fence in right field, scoring Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino as well. The Phillies tore the cover off the ball in the third inning also, scoring three more before Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett could record a single out. Still in just the bottom of the third, the score was Phillies 6, Yankees 1.
Phillies ace Cliff Lee ran into a speed bump in the fifth inning and coughed up a run on an infield ground out from Johnny Damon that sent Eric Hinske home. Lee settled down and his slugging tandem of Utley and Raul Ibanez each hit solo home runs in the bottom of the seventh. Utley is now tied with Reggie Jackson for most home runs in a World Series with five.
The finish of the game, however, wasn't easy. Despite holding a six-run lead, Lee finally had a breakdown in the eighth inning. After A-Rod doubled to left center, scoring Damon and Mark Teixeira, it was time for Lee to hit the showers. Chan Ho Park mopped up nicely in the eighth, but Ryan Madson ran into trouble in the ninth. Jorge Posada came into score when Derek Jeter grounded into a double-dip. Thankfully for the Phillies, they got the last out before blowing their lead completely and managed to extend the Series back to the Bronx.
Key to Game 6 Phillies Starter Pedro Martinez
Martinez endured a considerable amount of criticism for his performance in Game 2, thanks in part to lofty expectations based on his excellent season. Martinez actually didn't pitch poorly, despite getting chased in the sixth inning. He gave up only three runs and struck out eight Yankees. Unfortunately for the Phillies, two of the six Yankee hits went for home runs and Martinez wasn't afforded much run support as he came out of the game down 3-1.
The crafty veteran who just turned 38 last week will get another crack at silencing the Yankee home crowd and throughout his career he's always carried a chip on his shoulder in the Bronx.
Key to Game 6 Yankees Starter Andy Pettitte
Long-time Yankee Andy Pettitte got the win in Game 3 of the Series and pitched solidly despite giving up four earned runs in just six innings. He'll be seeking to replicate his mastery of off-speed junk that kept the Phillies' big bats at bay. However, even before he squares off with the Phillies' big sticks, a tough obstacle he'll face is pitching on only three days rest.
Pettitte and Martinez have an interesting history head-to-head, having faced each other six times since 1998. Each pitcher has won three encounters, although no such games were played during the playoffs. Of note is that it's been the visiting pitcher who has won each affair. Pettitte will be seeking to last at least six solid innings in Game 6 and snap this trend.
Key to Game 6 Phillies Closer Brad Lidge
Clearly a disappointment whose lacklustre post-MVP performance in the regular season has extended into the final stage of the playoffs, Lidge will be called upon to keep the Series alive, should the Phillies have the lead (or be in close contention) late in Game 6. Sooner or later, he'll have to show his excellent form from 2008; in the final game -- if not two -- of this year's Series, Lidge will clearly be in the spotlight.
One other question mark for this game is how well the Phillies' All-Star centerfielder Shane Victorino has recovered from being drilled in the hand by A.J. Burnett in Game 5. Victorino is cleared to play and is not only a great defensive player but is sporting a solid .296 batting average in the playoffs.
It could all end Wednesday night and the Yanks could claim their 27th World Series, or the Phillies can keep their dream of a repeat alive, at least until Thursday night.
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