T he World Series began last night between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies with a terrific pitcher’s duel between the previous two American League Cy Young Award winners, C.C. Sabathia for the Yankees, and Cliff Lee for the Phillies. The game was evenly matched until Phillies second baseman Chase Utley hit not one, but two solo homeruns to give Philadelphia the lead for good.
Sabathia, well rested for the opener, did not pitch as badly as the final score indicated, and he will be ready to pitch again for the Yankees on short rest if needed. On the other side was Cliff Lee, who dominated New York’s bats, with the exception of Derek Jeter. Lee, acquired by the Phillies in July for minor league prospects, threw a complete game allowing just one earned run, striking out ten batters, while not walking a batter. According to the record books, his Game 1 performance was one of the best in World Series history.
Though the Yankees are down one game to none, they have been there before in numerous series during their streak of thirteen consecutive playoff berths from 1995 to 2007. A.J. Burnett will take the mound in Game 2 tonight against the Yankees’ long-time rival, Pedro Martinez. Will the Yankee bats wake up from their lackluster post-season? Stay tuned to Fox 5 tonight at 7:57 p.m. to find out if the Yankees can tie this series at one game apiece. LET’S GO YANKEES!!
