NEW YORK (AP) - Chase Utley tagged Yankee left-hander CC
Sabathia for a pair of solo home runs and the
Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Yankees 6-1 behind an
overpowering pitching performance by Cliff Lee in the World Series
opener.
Lee baffled the Yankees with a great curveball, deceptive
changeup and pinpoint control. He hurled a six-hitter while
striking out 10 without a walk. He fanned Yankee slugger Alex
Rodriguez three times.
Lee blanked the Yankees until an unearned run scored on
shortstop Jimmy Rollins' throwing error in the ninth inning. The
lefty improved to 3-and-0 with an 0.54 ERA this postseason.
Yankee manager Joe Girardi admitted that Lee "is pitching very
well. But he can't pitch every day."
Utley homered in the third and sixth innings. He also walked in
the first inning when he set a postseason record by reaching base
in 26 straight games, breaking the mark held by Baltimore's Boog
Powell from 1966 to 1971. Utley had half of the four hits allowed
by Sabathia, who struck out six in his seven innings before heading
to the showers.
The team winning Game 1 has gone on to win the last six World
Series and 11 of the last 12.
Game 2 is Thursday night with Pedro Martinez on the mound for
the Phils against A.J. Burnett.