Big League Stew - MLB

Big League Stew

Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:05 am EST

A-Rod, Johnny Damon put Yankees on brink of 27th Series title

By David Brown

Score and situation: Yankees 7, Phillies 4  Yankees lead series 3-1

Leading lads: Alex Rodriguez got the big hit to put the Yankees ahead in the ninth, but it doesn't happen unless Johnny Damon(notes) singles and then steals two bases on the same play in one of the "What-the-heck?" World Series moments.

Damon's at-bat against Brad Lidge(notes) was killer, too, where he spoiled a hard slider on 1-2, then worked the count full until he laced a 3-2 fastball into left field for a single.

Mariano Rivera(notes) jumped right in a half-inning later and retired the Phillies in order. He's needed only 13 pitches to get five outs over two appearances so far.

Head hanger: Bushy bearded Lidge hadn't allowed a run in over a month (eight straight appearances, playoffs and regular season).

Key play: Of course, Damon's single and steals are mere footnotes unless A-Rod comes through with the double against Lidge. A-Rod came into his ninth-inning at-bat 1-for-13 in the World Series.

Key stat: The Yankees are one victory from their 27th championship and first since 2000.

What they're talking about: It appeared Charlie Manuel's tactic of using Joe Blanton(notes) instead of Cliff Lee(notes) was working out. The Phillies hit CC Sabathia(notes) just enough and got to Joba Chamberlain(notes) in the eighth, tying the score on Pedro Feliz's(notes) solo homer — putting themselves in great shape to win in the bottom of the ninth. Lidge just couldn't get that third out without giving up the lead.

What they're saying:

"I saw Feliz, the way he caught the ball; I knew third base was wide open." — Johnny Damon

What's next: It's Cliff Lee Day again in Philly on Monday, as the Phillies try to force the Series back to New York starting at 7:57 ET. Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett(notes) can apply the knockout punch.

Related: Joba Chamberlain, Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, Brad Lidge, CC Sabathia, Pedro Feliz, Johnny Damon, A.J. Burnett, Mariano Rivera, 2009 postseason on the Stew, A-Rod on BLS, 2009 World Series on the Stew, Derek Jeter on BLS

digg delicious
more

65 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. motoguci
    1. Posted by motoguci Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:24 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Kate Hudson for MVP!
  2. s
    2. Posted by s Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:27 am EST

    Report Abuse

    you're done son. later philly [profane]s! your time has come and gone.
  3. LiadC
    3. Posted by LiadC Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:39 am EST

    Report Abuse

    key lesson learned here... NEVER call your team to win a world series in 5 games. especially when the other team has the greatest pitcher of all time closing games.
    I think he meant yankees in 5, but forgot what team he was on.
  4. Drian8890
    4. Posted by Drian8890 Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:41 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Phils had their time in the sun. Looks like no more references to them being world f'n champions.
  5. George
    5. Posted by George Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:42 am EST

    Report Abuse

    GEORGE VREELAND HILL SPEAKS ...
    Go Yankees.
    Beat Filthadelphia.
    New York owns that loser city.
    Oh yea.
    Just telling the truth.
    I am,
    GEORGE VREELAND HILL
  6. Drian8890
    6. Posted by Drian8890 Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:43 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Funny, Benny Agbayani claimed the Mets would beat the Yankees in 5 back in 2000. Not a good idea to go public with predictions like that.
  7. George
    7. Posted by George Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:49 am EST

    Report Abuse

    The New York Yankees have 40, yes 40 World Series visits.
    The Phillies are done.
    The Eagles have no Super Bowl wins.
    Their trophy case is empty.
    The rest of their (Filthadelphia) teams are done are about to hang it up.
    They have no chance.
    What losers.
    New York owns Philly.
    We all know it.
    I will be at the game tomorrow night.
    My anti-filthy banners will be on camera.
    I am,
    GEORGE VREELAND HILL
  8. lakers007raiders
    8. Posted by lakers007raiders Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:03 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Its been a pretty good series so far. I wouldn't sleep on Lee, he's been awesome since joining the Phils. That being said, I think the Yanks are going to win in 5 or 6. They have something this year that they haven't had since 2000, the need to win. I think Jeter wants it, his play speaks for itself. I think A Rod is at ease with himself and for once isn't worried about anything but a championship. Damon's old legs and crappy arm are doing what Fishers old legs did for the Lakers last year, prove to be clutch. And most importantly the starting pitching is doing what wins in the post season, pitching good. MVP goes to either Mo or ARod. Still, the Phillies aren't going down without a fight. Can't wait for tommorow. Go Yanks!
  9. Bob the Viking
    9. Posted by Bob the Viking Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:14 am EST

    Report Abuse

    You have,
    a STUPID middle name!
  10. ying
    10. Posted by ying Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:19 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Lee is going to get shelled tomorrow.
  11. ron v
    11. Posted by ron v Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:27 am EST

    Report Abuse

    I have been a Yankee fan for 57 years even thought I live near Philadelphia. I have watched them at their best and worst. They have been a successful franchise because of talent, management and money. This year they have what it takes to be Champions again, but don't count the Phillies out. Whether or not the Yankees win thier 27th World Series they still have dominated sports more than any other team or individual in history.
  12. mrwheat522005
    12. Posted by mrwheat522005 Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:33 am EST

    Report Abuse

    I believe the Yanks wrap it up tomorrow.Lee i a career .500 pitcher against the Yanks so..time for a loss and a 27th WSC.
  13. waz
    13. Posted by waz Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:33 am EST

    Report Abuse

    ll lidge he ultimate ball buster lmao 2 outs and 2 strikes and couldnt get a out too bad philly this season will not take too long maybe tonight it ends for u guys go yanks!
  14. Darwin M
    14. Posted by Darwin M Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:43 am EST

    Report Abuse

    I got 2 tickets for game 5.
    I'm on the first base side and I have a banner that says GEORGE VREELAND HILL SUCKS!
    Time to shut this guy up.
    I hope more of you do the same.
    Put it on national television.
    No more GVH.
  15. Matt
    15. Posted by Matt Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:45 am EST

    Report Abuse

    It is just absolutely amazing to me that the Phillies didn't go with Lee in game 4 to have him for Game 7 too..
    Absolutely boggles my mind. What are they thinking?
  16. Thomas
    16. Posted by Thomas Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:51 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Great series and with a little perserverance the Yankees should have another Title under their belt. Lee is tuff but even one more loss for yanks and they are coming back at you to finish the job
  17. jon
    17. Posted by jon Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:06 am EST

    Report Abuse

    hey j roll wanna rephrase that famous saying???
  18. Tickle Monster
    18. Posted by Tickle Monster Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:13 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Maybe it's just me, but I have had a little trouble understanding the Phillies manager. Seems he has a little trouble with sentence structure. Anyone else notice that. If writers quote him verbatim, the sentence ofter makes absolutely no sense. I don't want to be overly critical of the guy, but my gosh man.
  19. MichaelM
    19. Posted by MichaelM Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:32 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Whats up with Howard??????? Why does Yankee pitching pretty much own him???
  20. JonnaC
    20. Posted by JonnaC Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:51 am EST

    Report Abuse

    go phillies.... get the WS or not......fight , the ball still round who knows in game 5 you'll make it,,,, GOOD LUCK !!!!!! just fight, go for it,,,,, believe in yourself always,,, donna of philippine
  21. irishbuckeye
    21. Posted by irishbuckeye Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:56 am EST

    Report Abuse

    what ever happens in the game or games left to play as it stands right now ,Ive got a Philly winning the MVP !yes a die hard ,life long Yankee fan said it!!!! Utley has been the one out of everybody that has shown any consistency !!! i'm not saying its going to stay that way but if he keeps hitting the way he has , he's got a pretty good chance in my opinion!
  22. vanparty
    22. Posted by vanparty Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:38 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Well, it's not lookin' too good.....I know. That familiar old Philly feeling has come back. We get led to the troth, and usually it's empty. Last year was fantastic, but right now, I can sense the disappointment which lies around the corner. I hope I'm wrong.......I also foresee Howard and Ibanez doing some Campbell's commercials since their at the plate trying to eat soup w/ a fork......so very frustrating.
  23. James
    23. Posted by James Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:42 am EST

    Report Abuse

    TEAM EFFORT!!!!!!! When one doesn't have it, someone always pick up the slack. Its never the same each night. That's why they have 26 WSC's en route to 27. There are Yankee fans across the globe, time to ban together and end this. We'll be watching from Korea, courtesy of ESPN and Armed Forces Network!!!!
  24. vanparty
    24. Posted by vanparty Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:36 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Koreans usually DO give good happy endings.

Big League Stew

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

'Duk

Big League Stew is an MLB blog edited by Kevin Kaduk. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
David Brown, Alex Remington, Steve Henson, Curtis Granderson, Jay Levin,

Teams

Customize to follow news and rumors on your favorite teams. [ Sign in ]

Related Photo Gallery

More MLB Photos »

Y! Sports Blogs

Big League Stew Recent Readers

(provided by MyBlogLog)