Pinstripe Alley: Yankees Never Say Die

C.C. didn’t look extremely sharp and the Yankees were off-balance on offense most of the night. But at the end of the day, the Yankees did what they always seem to do in these situations. They found a way to win.

In the top of the ninth, Matsui and Jeter went down in order. Johnny Damon worked a nine pitch AB, finally lacing a single to left field. The Phillies put the shift on Tex (though the broadcast team didn’t mention it or show it well), and when Damon stole second, then popped up and took off for third most of Yankee Universe committed bushido before realizing that it was a great heads up play. Tex was HBP, putting an exclamation point on his 0-fer, and bringing the Lighting Rod to bat with runners on 1st and 3rd. Arod did what Arod do, doubling in Damon (Joe Nathan, Brian Fuentes, Brad Lidge- it’s like a little collector set). Jorge followed with a single, plating Tex and Arod, though Posada was out at second on the play.

Mariano took the hill with a 3 run lead (protecting a vulture W for Joba Chamberlain). Goodbye Matt Stairs. Goodbye Jimmy Rollins. Goodbye Shane Victorino. MVP? Maybe, maybe.