‘98 Bombers defeat ‘09 Phightin’s in 5

Utley	Posada	Irabu	Ibanez	Williams

Game 1 - Yankee Stadium
Philadelphia 14, New York 4
J.A. Happ vs David Cone

Philadelphia breaks a 3-3 tie with a 5 run uprising in the 7th inning highlighted by a Chase Utley grand slam.  The starters David Cone and JA Happ were gone early and didn't figure in the outcome.  The Phillies pounded the Yanks in game 1 14-4 to take a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.

Game 2 - Yankee Stadium
New York 9, Philadelphia 6
Jamie Moyer vs David Wells

New York goes with David Wells and Philly counters with Jamie Moyer.  Cliff Lee awaits his turn.  Moyer only lasts 4 innings and gives up 5 runs.  Jorge Posada goes 3 for 3 and hits 2 homeruns to lead the Yankee attack.  David Wells goes 7 innings with 4 earned to pickup the win.  Rivera gets the save.  New York hits a total of 5 homeruns to even the series 1-1.

Game 3 - Citizens Bank Ballpark
New York 10, Philadelphia 4
Hideki Irabu vs Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee finally gets the call but he wishes he didn't.  The Yanks score 5 runs in the 1st and hammer the Philly ace for 9 runs with 7 earned.  The Bronx Bombers continue to use their muscle and power to take a 2-1 lead in the series.  Hideki Irabu picks up the win pitching 8 1/3 innings while allowing 4 runs.  Ryan Howard hit his second homer of the series.

Game 4 - Citizens Bank Ballpark
Philadelphia 6, New York 4
Orlando (El Duque) Hernandez vs Cole Hamels

The Phils facing elimination hand the ball to Cole Hamels and he delivered.  Hamels goes 7 2/3 innings while striking out 7 and only giving up 3 runs.  Raul Ibanez hit a clutch homerun to breakup a 4-4 tie and give the Phils another game.  El Duque started for the Yanks but Darren Holmes suffered the loss.

Game 5 - Yankee Stadium
New York 13, Philadelphia 3
Joe Blanton vs David Cone

The Bronx Bombers take the series with another big offensive performance.  The Yanks pounded 17 hits and scored 13 runs as Joe Blanton suffered the loss.  The Phillies used 5 starters in the series and none of them had much success.  David Cone picks up the win going 7 2/3 innings.  Andy Pettite was not used at all and will be fresh for the next series.

Series Summary:  This series was all about hitting and no pitching.  The Phillies scored 33 runs and the Yanks scored 40 runs.  This was expected as both teams have big name sluggers.  Bernie Williams gets the MVP honors going 8 for 21 with 2 homers.  Jorge Posada was well deserving also going 8 for 13 with 2 homers. 

-- submitted by Frank Aluzzi--