The World Series Goes Back To The Big Apple...Philadelphia 8 Yankees 6

AJ Burnett reverted back to his on-again, off-again form Monday night in Philadelphia. He only lasted two plus innings and gave up four base hits and SIX big runs. Most times against Cliff Lee, it would be "game over" after that, but the valiant Yankees tried to catch the home team with four runs in the last two innings. They fell short by a score of 8-6, sending the World Series back to New York City with the Yankees holding a 3-2 series edge. Phillies' starter Cliff Lee was also nowhere near as sharp as he was in his last series start, surrendering seven hits and giving up five earned runs. Andy Pettitte will try to nail it down tomorrow night for the pinstripers. He'll pitch against Petey, also know as Pedro Martinez. I'm sure Petey would like nothing more than to pitch well against the team he loves to hate and force a game seven. GO PETEY! But Series MVP-in-the-making (possibly, probably) Chase Utley pounced on two pitches and hit 'em both out. With those two taters he tied Reggie Jackson's World Series record of five home runs. Does he have another one in him? Hmmm. Here he is...

"First home run was a fastball, first pitch," he said in response to a question after Monday night's World Series game. "The second home run was a fastball, as well."

Fastball, fastball, seems he likes fastballs. His swing is so sudden, so compact, so powerful and so sweet, it's amazing. His manager, Charlie Manuel, agrees...

"He's one of the most prepared, one of the most dedicated, he has the most passion and desire to play the game that I've ever been around. I used to say Kirby Puckett was my favorite player, and all those things I just said I used to say about Kirby Puckett, and I said Kirby Puckett was my favorite player. The only thing Kirby might have on Chase is he's more flamboyant, because he smiles a lot."

Wonderful words of praise from someone who knows Utley's game better than just about anyone. And so the 2009 World Series moves back to the new Yankee Stadium with the home team looking for just one elusive victory to earn their 27th World Championship. Yes, they've been stuck on 26 for a long time but I have a feeling, like most of us, that 27 will be a reality within, oh, say, 48 hours. I'd be shocked if the Phillies win the next two but stranger things have happened in this game we love called baseball. How about Boston's 0-3 comeback win against the dreaded pinstripers, complete with a bloody sock. I remember it as if it were yesterday. I smiled.

Enjoy your Tuesday, a non-baseball day as we get ready for game six from the city that never sleeps tomorrow night. If the Yankees win another one Wednesday or Thursday, sleep will be out of the question. The weather will be dark and cool...I guarantee it! Temperatures will fall from the mid fifties to the mid forties during the game and the sun will set well before the first pitch. I heard they have lights, though. Click on this post's title for more coverage of last night's Philly win and as always, BE WELL.