The box score would tell you the Phil’s dominated the Yankees tonight. Cliff Lee pitching a complete game, and throwing 10 strikeouts, not 1 but 2 Chase Utley homeruns, and the only Yankee run coming off a throwing error.
The Phillies definitely played well tonight, but I don’t think it is going to be an open and shut series as some made it out to be. Yes, the Phillies were in the World Series last year, and they won it, but you got to remember it has been 6 years since the Yankees have been in the World Series. That may not seem like a long time, but look at their starting line up from that series: Jeter, Nick Johnson, Bernie Williams, Matsui, Posada, Giambi, Karim Garcia, Aaron Boone, Soriano, Pettitte, Rivera, Mussina, David Wells… etc. Their starting lineup from Game 6 of that series only includes Jeter, Matsui, and Posada (if he’s playing).
Hats off to the Phillie’s for winning game one tonight, just don’t think it is going to be a cakewalk. It is a long road ahead still. I see this going at least 5 games. Pitching is going to be what wins this series, whoever can keep their bullpen the freshest will come away with it. Yankees already used 5 relievers for a total of 2 innings, Phil’s 0. It’s all about the pitching, especially in the cooler weather.
Game 2 should be interesting. Pedro v. Burnett, maybe Pedro will pitch like the days of old, but look for the Yankee’s to come back flying tomorrow.
Winning game 1 is huge for either team. This is especially the case when it comes on the road.
I like the bullpen point.