"GC" Lee Out-Duels "CC" In Game 1 Of World Series

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee was in total control on the mound in the first game of the 2009 World Series against the New York Yankees, leading the National League Champs to a 6-1 victory over the Bronx Bombers.

Cliff Lee was brilliant, dazzling Yankee batters with a devastating curveball throughout his 122 pitch effort, that produced ten strikeouts, while Lee allowed one unearned run, six hits [including three hits by Derek Jeter], and no walks, in route to his complete game win.

Yankees starter CC Sabathia pitched well enough to win, throwing 113 pitches over seven solid innings of work, allowing only two runs [two solo homers by second baseman Chase Utley: in the third and sixth innings]; on four hits; three walks; and six strikeouts.

When CC was replaced at the start of the eight inning, the Phillies were leading 2-0; and, that's when the senseless parade of Yankee relievers was put in motion [once again] by grand marshal, Joe Girardi.

The bullpen was awful, collapsing any possible "Bridge to Mariano" before it was even constructed.

Phil Hughes walked two batters at the start of the eight, and was booed off the mound after being replaced by Damaso Marte who was the most effective Yankee reliever, retiring the two batters he faced.

With two outs, David Robertson replaced Marte, and promptly issued a four-pitch walk to load the bases. Then, Robertson gave up a two-RBI single to the next batter Raul Ibanez that increased the Phillies lead to 4-0.

Brian Bruney, who for reasons unknown was added to the World Series roster, allowed the final two Phillies runs in the ninth, without any help from Phil Coke - the final Yankee pitcher out of the pen. This continued ineffectiveness put the game out of reach for the Yanks as Cliff Lee was still on the mound painting his masterpiece.

The Yankees scored a meaningless unearned run in the bottom of the ninth on a throwing error by shortstop Jimmy Rollins on a double play attempt  that capped the scoring in the Phillies 6-1 victory.

Maybe, even if CC Sabathia was allowed to stay in this game into the ninth inning, it still would not have made a difference in the score because Cliff Lee was just way too dominant on this night in the Bronx.

But, Joe Girardi has to stop "over-managing" the bullpen the rest of this World Series.

If four, or five, [or more], Yankee relievers are constantly brought into each game, the odds are: not all these pitchers are going to be effective and pitch well. The only bridge to Mariano Rivera should be built directly from the starting pitcher each game.

And, maybe, even allowing the Yankees starters to complete some games would be a very refreshing path to victory.

Just look at the game Cliff Lee pitched in Game One -- a "CG" victory.

It is time for Manager Joe Girardi to forget about "pitch-counts"; "inning limitations"; "righty/lefty pitching matchups"; or, "using the middle relievers" out of the Yankees bullpen.  

Let the starters pitch into the eight and ninth innings; then, go to the "Great Mariano".

This is the reason why CC, A.J., and Andy were given huge contracts in 2009 -- to start, and lead the Yankees to victory.

There will be plenty of time to rest after the World Series is over; and, the deeper our starters pitch in each game, the greater the Yankees chances of winning their 27th World Championship this year.  

-- Jimmy, "BY&L"