ελπίδα, πίστη, αγάπη

Game 1 winning pitcher Cliff Lee wears #34 in his Phillies uniform. AJ Burnett is also wearing #34 in his Yankees uniform.

And who will forget Nolan Ryan and Rollie Fingers?

AJ Burnett pitched for the Yankees in World Series Game 2  with a blast. The Yankees beat the Phillies on 3-1, tying the series on Thursday night in Yankee Stadium.

The Pie-Man of the Bronx was able to keep his goal for the game. "I won't change anything as far as my plan or my attack, just maybe not be so careless from the get go -- just throwing balls over the middle to get strike one," Burnett said.

The right-handed pitcher allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and just one run in seven innings. The run was from Raul Ibañez, who hit a double, driven by Matt Stairs' single, a ground ball to left field that was deflected by Alex Rodriguez in the second inning.

If the Phillies had a lot of runs in Game 1 on Wednesday, Thursday night gave them a lot of strikes and strikeouts. Burnett struck out  Raul Ibañez twice and Ryan Howard thrice. He struck out four other Phillies.

Burnett's favoured catcher was outstanding, not just in helping him with his pitches. Jose Molina, also a Puerto Rican, kept a runner from staying in the fourth inning. Jayson Werth hit a single on a full count but while Ibañez was batting, he was picked off by Molina at first base on a throw to Mark Teixeira. AJ Burnett only faced three batters in the fourth inning.

The Bronx Bombers hit two solo home runs. The Yankees' first homer in the World Series came off the previously shy bat of Mark Teixeira over the fence in the right centre field in the fourth inning. It was his first career World Series home run.

The other solo homer was provided my Hideki Matsui on a fly ball in the right field in the sixth inning. It was Godzilla's second career World Series home run.

When Jorge Posada was announced to pinch hit for Jose Molina in the seventh inning, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel left the dugout to get the ball from Pedro Martinez, the Phillies starter, and summoned Park Chan-Ho to face Posada who went 0-for-7 against him.

Pedro Martinez pitched for 6 innings and left the mound with 4.50 ERA. He struckout eight Yankees but allowed 6 hits and 3 runs.

A.J. Burnett may opt for Jose Molina to catch for him, but he was the number one cheerleader of Jorge Posada when the veteran catcher hit a single on a line drive to centre field driving in Brett Gardner, who was pinch running for Jerry Hairston, Jr., for another run. The run was charged to Pedro Martinez.

The Philadelphia Phillies were able to keep the remaining Yanks off the plate when Johnny Damon lined into a double play. Posada was out off first. They also caused a gathering of the umpires to discuss the play and call, which was questioned by Joe Girardi.

The Phillies were trying to rally more runs, but the goal seemed impossible as they had to face Mariano Rivera in the eight inning. Posada stayed in the game to replace Jose Molina.

The eight inning was quite a battle against The Sandman who drew the third walk for the Phillies with just one out. Shane Victorino, batting next, was able to hit a single on a ground ball to right field. The Old Guard closer was able to stay out of trouble when Chase Utley grounded into double play, Robinson Cano to shortstop Derek Jeter to Mark Teixeira. Shane Victorino was out at second base.

Ryan Howard was batting first in the ninth inning, but he never had the chance to have a base hit as he was struck out on 0-3 count by Mariano Rivera. The first baseman of the Phillies was totally shut out by Burnett and Rivera in his four at-bats.

After 38 pitches, Mariano Rivera struck out the eighth batter he faced on 2-2 count for the final out of the game.

The Yankees are off to follow the Phillies in Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 on Saturday night. Andy Pettitte will start for the Yankees who will face Cole Hamels.




Also posted in Bleacher Report and MLBlog.

The wait is finally over.

After 5 days of waiting, the Philadelphia Phillies now know which team will they face. The New York Yankees just defeated the LA Angels in the American League Series of Game 6, 5-3 on board. It was a game that lasted for 3 hours and 40 minutes with 50,173 people in full anticipation.

The Phillies and Yankees have faced each other during the regular season, and the Phillies have won the series, 2-1, against the Yankees. Game 2 of that series was a walk-off win as Melky Cabrera hit a single, scoring Robinson Cano. Alex Rodriguez provided the tying run, a two-run homer to the right field.

Game 1 of the World Series will be started in the Yankee Stadium and starting pitchers will be CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee. Both pitchers are considered aces in their ball clubs. But who will prevail?

Cliff Lee has a 14-13 record, 245 hits, 3 walks, 10 strikeouts, and a 3.22 ERA. CC Sabathia, on the other hand, has an amazing 19-8 record. He has allowed 197 hits and 67 walks while striking out 197. If Mo is capable of calming the Yankees organization, and fans alike, during the late innings, CC has a calming effect on me when he's starting for the Bombers.

Both NL and AL teams know how big the World Series will be. The Philadelphia Phillies will do everything to defend their title while the New York Yankees will be looking forward for a 27th World Series title.

There are a lot of World Series rookies from the Yankees, but the Old Guard remains intact. The last Old Guard appearance in the World Series, excluding Andy Pettitte who was in the Astros, was on 2004. This would be a nice reunion, especially that Pettitte is back to the Yankees. With new members in their club, the World Series will be more exciting.

The Phillies and Yankees are strong teams in their respective leagues, but only one team will claim the 2009 World Series title. I am a fan of both teams, but I am rooting for my top favourite team, the New York Yankees.

The National and American League Series are over.  But, "It ain't over till it's over." It must be a wonderful night for Yogi Berra who watched the game. I'd love to hear what he's got to say about Game 6.

1977. Mr. October was born in the house that Babe Ruth built.

1977 World Series Game 6. Reggie Jackson on plate.

4th inning: 2-run homer
5th inning: 2-run homer
8th inning: Solo home run

8-4, NY Yankees vs. LA Dodgers.

Today is the last day of 21. Tomorrow is the first day..

o_o

I had a phone conversation with my sister earlier. We're not biological nor legal sisters. Sorority sisters? I wouldn't call it like that though we belong to a group that quite of a fraternity. There are also other people I consider as brothers. Simply put, we're a family.

I called Neko to ask about Jay's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAY! Neko asked me what happened here during the "rain" and if we were flooded. To make it short, we ended taking about the administrative system in our country, especially in Metro Manila.

It's actually always like this. When Neko and me have the chance to talk, our conversations end up in politics and governance. We do have different views, but we don't talk about it. We respect each other, and it's healthy to have such conversation.

Later will be the gathering in Jay's house for his birthday. I want to come and I wish I'd be able to. I haven't asked for permission yet. Woot! :D

I miss our other sister, Qheem. She's in St. Louis now. I hope she's doing fine. I haven't hear from her since the MLB All-Star Game.

Music:
The Corrs - I Never Loved You Anyway

Leaving that place made me really sad. It still does. But since the last time I've seen the white wrangler, I had the feeling that I had to. Besides that, I feel a little embarrassed staying for quite some time. There was nothing much to do, I guess, but perhaps it's because it's one busy week catching up to the losses of the previous one.

Also, whenever I try to inquire I receive no answer. That does annoy me because when I ask something official, I expect an answer. Is it too much to ask for such respect? I may be a little disappointed but that doesn't change the fact that I am thankful.

I may no longer be coming back, unless summoned, but I have this nostalgic feeling. I want to be there again. There may be new reason or reasons why but it does no harm. It shall not. I guess I'll just have to remember what we call delicadesa.

May the day come when I shall face the white wrangler again. And when that day comes, may both be all-smiles to one another.

Music:
Natalie Imbruglia - Wishing I Was There

I have a lot of things on my mind right now. I also have a lot to accomplish. As for today, I want to do something worthwhile. I still want to help, not just the victims but also those who help. Classes are back. It's finals and defense week, for those I've helped with.

Later this day, I will be in HotL, Pasong Tamo Ext. for our A Life Worth Living course. I've been absent twice. Woot!

There is one thing I ask today: That I will have wisdom. I really need wisdom and understanding. I feel so insufficient. I've seen enough and been through quite a lot to know that I am not yet accomplishing what I should accomplish.

By the way, how I wish I can have McCafe's Cocoa Steamer today. I miss it!

Music:
The Corrs - Runaway