Quest for a repeat falls short in six games

Shane Victorino grounded to first for the final out of the World Series
Photo credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images

New York Yankees clinch their 27th World Series title, winning game six 7-3

There was reason for the Phillies to be optimistic heading into game six. They were sending Pedro Martinez on regular rest and the Yankees were using Andy Pettitte on just three days of rest. But Martinez showed early signs of struggling and the Yankees took advantage early. In quick fashion the Yankees took a lead and never really let the Phillies back in it. When all was said and done, the Yankees would eliminate the Phillies and end the defending champs' bid for a repeat championship. The Yankees, after winning Wednesday night 7-3, brought home their 27th World Series trophy.

It did not start too badly though as Martinez was able to match Pettitte's 1-2-3 first inning. But the second inning would not go well for the Phillies' big free agent in-season acquisition. After walking Alex Rodriguez on four pitches Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui battled back form an 0-2 count to work a full count that ended on the eighth pitch. Matsui delivered a tough blow with a monster two run home run that only a guy with a nickname like Godzilla could. The Phillies picked up one run in the top of the third after Carlos Ruiz scored on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Rollins. Ruiz had reached third base with a triple.

But the Yankees picked up two more runs in the bottom of the third when Matsui struck again. Matsui's single to center field with the bases loaded and two outs against Martinez gave the Yankees a 4-1 lead. That would be all the runs the Yankees would need.

Martinez went just four full innings and was charged with four runs while walking two batters, striking out five and giving up three hits, two of which were demoralizing blows from Matsui. Chad Durbin came on in relief of Martinez in the fifth inning but he would fare no better. Durbin was charged for three runs on two hits and a walk. Durbin's inning started with Derek Jeter hitting a ground rule double, A Mark Teixeria single would score Jeter to put the Yankees up 5-1. After walking Rodriguez Phillies manager Charlie Manuel pulled Durbin and replaced him with the National League Rookie of the Year, JA Happ. Happ was put in a tough situation with two runners on and Happ was no match for the man of the night, Matsui. Matsui delivered what may be looked back on as the knockout punch with a double to the outfield to bring home the final two runs for the Yankees.

Down 7-1 it was sinking in that this might not be the year for the Phillies, but the team did not quit.

In the top of the sixth inning Ryan Howard came through with his first home run of the World Series. The homer to left field scored two runs after Chase Utley had walked with one out. That would be all the scoring in this game however. Depsite some late threats by the Phillies the Yankees found ways out of trouble, including watching Utley called out on check swing that was called a strike by the third base umpire to end the inning.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi opted to go with closer Mariano Rivera for a five out save, and he delivered as he usually has in his career. The game would end with Ruiz on base when Shane Victorino grounded out to first base to end the ball game, the World Series, and thus the 2009 Major League Baseball season.

Matsui was named the World Series MVP.

So the season now is officially over. It was a hard fought series and this time the better team took home the crown. The Yankees made more clutch hits and received better pitching from start to finish. There is no shame in having lost this World Series as this Phillies team has all the right ingredients to be right back in the World Series next season.

There will be much more coming your way on Macho Row in the coming days.

Congratulations to the New York Yankees.