The Phillies opened up the 2009 World Series with a 6-1 against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium tonight.
In a slight bit of irony, the theme to Star Wars was played during pre-game introductions of the Phillies. Guess the Yanks are trying to get rid of the Evil Empire moniker.
In his first World Series start, Clifton Phifer Lee was absolutely incredible. Lee went the whole 9 yards in the complete game win, giving up 6 hits and one unearned run while striking out 10. Lee was the “2nd” choice in the summer, but he looks pretty damn good right now. I wonder how Roy Halladay is doing on the golf course?
Cliff Lee also improved on his impressive stats for the postseason. He is now 3-0 with a 0.54 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings. Did anyone see this coming? Lee was good, but a complete game win in Game 1 at Yankee Stadium? Awfully impressive.
The offense really showed up as well, even though it wasn’t needed. Chase Utley pounded two home runs to right field off C.C. Sabathia to pin the loss on Sabathia. Raul Ibanez also finally decided to join the party with 2 RBI, with Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard knocking in 1 apiece as well.
Many “experts” expected this to be a relatively easy World Series for the 26-time World Series champion New York Yankees. Tonight however, the 2-time World Champion Philadelphia Phillies showed how this series is going to go. It may not turn into a sweep, but this team will fight down to the last out, as shown already this postseason.
With Pedro Martinez heading back to the mound at Yankee Stadium, where he says he is the most influential person to enter, the Phillies have to be feeling good about their chances. Pedro went 7 strong against the Dodgers in his only postseason start so far, and has had plenty of time to rest.
The Phillies have put the Yankees on notice. This team is for real. Not a collection of superstars, but a genuine championship caliber team.
For the team of Destiny in `08, the first step towards repeating has been taken. Step two will come tomorrow night.
