I didn’t manage to stay awake past the 6th inning, but I’m not surprised it turned out this way:
When the Philadelphia Phillies traded for Cliff Lee in July, there was no playoff data to explore. There were no highlights of Lee striking out Alex Rodriguez three times or fielding a bouncer behind his back. Lee had pitched for the last team to win a postseason series at the old Yankee Stadium, but he was not even on the roster.
In the two years since, Lee has taken to the Bronx as few visitors have. He started the final All-Star Game at the old Stadium, won the opener of the new place in April and made its World Series debut his personal showcase on Wednesday night.
Lee carved the Yankees with the precision of a master chef, allowing six hits and an unearned run in a 6-1 victory. Chase Utley homered twice off C. C. Sabathia, Lee’s former Cleveland teammate, who allowed no other runs and just two other hits in seven innings.
Sabathia was good, but Lee was outstanding. He spun curveballs, cutters, changeups and fastballs to all parts of the strike zone. He grabbed the ball and fired, charged off the mound after innings, and repeated until the last out.
It was a pitcher’s duel, and Lee had the better night.
Now, on to tonight.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Not sure I’d call a 6-1 game a “pitchers’ duel,” but you’re right: Lee was amazing. I had a little more luck staying up for the game, as it’s three hours earlier on the Left coast.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:05 am
It was up until Girardi removed Sabathia in the 7th, a move I don’t understand.
October 29th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I’m happy for Cliff Lee, loved him here in Cleveland. Glad to see him pitching so well in the postseason.
I think this series is going at least 6 games. Should be a good series. I think the Yankees take Game 2.