Chase Utley's three-run homer in the first
inning and solid pitching from lefty Cliff Lee have the Phillies ahead 6-2
over the New York Yankees through six innings in Game 5 of the World Series.
The Yankees have won the last three games to grab a commanding 3-1 lead in the
best-of-seven set and remain on the brink of a 27th World Series title, but
they may have to go back to the Bronx to try and capture the championship.
A possible Game 6 looms Wednesday if the defending World Series champions can
hold on over the final three innings tonight.
Utley's three-run blast came off A.J. Burnett, who exited with nobody out in
the third and already facing a 5-1 deficit. Burnett was pitching on three
days' rest.
Alex Rodriguez doubled in Johnny Damon in the top of the first inning, but
Burnett, the Game 2 winner, got off to a shaky start in the bottom of the
frame.
Jimmy Rollins hit a lead-off single to center. Shane Victorino squared to
bunt, but went down in a heap after taking a ball off his right index finger.
Utley then drilled a first-pitch fastball over the wall in right field.
Utley has homered four times in this World Series and six times in the Fall
Classic for his career to pass Billy Martin for the most lifetime Series
homers by a second baseman.
The Phillies chased Burnett from the mound before the righty could record an
out in the third. Utley and Ryan Howard walked before Jayson Werth singled up
the middle for a 4-1 lead. A base hit to right from Raul Ibanez extended the
margin.
David Robertson entered in relief, but it became 6-1 when Carlos Ruiz was safe
at first on a potential double-play ball. Robertson stranded two runners later
in the frame by striking out Rollins.
The Yankees got a run back in the fifth when Eric Hinske scored on a Damon
groundout.
Lee, who went the distance to win the opener, has allowed just four hits
through six innings.
New York's Brett Gardner, who got the start in center field for an injured
Melky Cabrera, made a catch while crashing into the wall on a ball hit by
Werth in the bottom of the fifth. Gardner stayed in the game, but Cabrera was
kept out due to a slightly strained left hamstring. The Yankees replaced
Cabrera on the roster with backup infielder Ramiro Pena.
©2009 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
