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.

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

Most of my friends know that I do not eat pork. I am not a Muslim nor a Jew, but I somehow observe their diet when it comes to pork. Somehow because I can still eat pork.

It all started when I was 7 or 8 years old. I've always been fond of reading. We had enough books at home to keep me interested. One day, when I was quite bored or perhaps just curious of the books we had at home, I checked our cabinet and looked for something informative and interesting.

I found Modern Medical Guide. I decided to read anything from the book. As I was turning the pages, I found something about worms then I saw a picture of a pig and how it is fed. A pig eats anything and almost everything it can put into its mouth, including what goes out of the body. With such piggy character it is not impossible for the animal to have worms. These worms are not easy to be eliminated. They even settle beyond the digestive system.

I remember a picture of pork that has not been cooked or prepared properly and the pork was about to be ingested (or eaten) by a man. It was when I decided that I shall eat no more pork.

Whenever I refuse to eat pork, people usually ask me if I am a Muslim. What a pity. Muslims are not the only people who do not eat pork.

Of course I have eaten pork in the past two years. I broke my "oath" when a friend of mine told me that I only live once. I was craving for a Siomai but the only Siomai available was Pork Siomai.

When I bought the Pork Siomai, I was bothered. First, because I broke my "oath" and second, the taste was quite bothersome. It's been years.

During summer last year, I also ate pork. It was barbecue. To my surprise, I liked it. Perhaps eating barbecue with friends was a factor why I liked the pork barbecue. But I think those barbecues were the last pork I consumed.

Oh, not actually. I had another pork a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn't have eaten it if it wasn't because of someone who prayed for the food. I only refuse to eat pork if the person knows that I don't eat pork or, at least, he can understand that I don't eat pork.

If I happen to come to a house where I will be served with nothing but pork, I shall eat it. I give justice to the food served for me. It'd be impolite.


If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.
-1 Corinthians 5:27

I've finally watched Mariano Rivera pitching in the ninth inning! His 503rd save, which was against the Blue Jays, was so breathtaking. And I am saying that literally.

Everyone was anticipating for the 3 up, 3 down. Maybe they were even expecting a strikeout sweep.

The first batter on plate, Alex Rios, was struck out with 1-3. Just one ball for Rivera, a 91mph cutter. The rest were 92 mph.

Next in line was DH David Dellucci who hit a fly ball to centre fielder Brett Gardner. It was a 90 mph cutter. Dellucci bats left, but as expected, he had to switch into a right hitter to avoid breaking his bat, or being hurt, by Mariano Rivera's cutter.

All switch hitters bat right against right-handed Mariano. When it's Mariano Rivera, you must keep right.

The last to bat was the Blue Jays' catcher, Raul Chavez. I wonder how should I describe this moment. First pitch was a strike, and so was the second. Just one more and it's the final out. Would've also been an awesome record of three consecutive strikes in a single at bat.

But the next pitch by Mariano was a ball followed by another ball. 2-and-2 for both players.

The next pitch spoiled everyone as it resulted to a foul ball. But the wait was finally over when the next and last pitch, the only 4-seam fast ball Mariano released, made umpire John Hirschbeck call a swinging strike to Chavez.

It was the final out and the first win of the New York Yankees, 4-2, against the Toronto Blue Jays for the series.



Note: Those in bold lead to another website, for a Mariano Rivera reference.

Music:
Bon Jovi - Keep the Faith

I was able to see the first sunrise of the year. Awesome! How about you? What was the first awesome thing you did today?

There is no charge for awesomeness.
-- Kung-Fu Panda

Music:
OLIVIA - dream catcher

2008 will soon end and 2009 will then take place. Time flies. Even so, a lot had happened this year. I don't want to lay out details here. I just want to bid 2008 goodbye. Thank you for an incredible year. I can definitely say I've become stronger. Better? Amen! Haha.

There's one particular thing I want to address. I might be bringing it, unwantedly, in the coming year but I can handle it better now. It was unlike how I had it before. I've been denying about it but when I've come to accept it things got better. But not so lately. It's quite bothering me a lot, awake or not. But I'll be sticking to what I said before. I'll let it go away through natural death. I don't know how that will happen. I don't even know when it will totally go away. But I'll be fine. I'm no longer as confused as I used to be. I now know what I want, consciously, though my dreams slash subconscious says otherwise.

By the way, I think I gained 6 pounds. Haha! Four more pounds and I can donate blood. Yipee! And I can have a tattoo? Weeh! <3

I have many wishes or prayers for the year 2009. Of course, good health and blessings for my love ones. As for me, top the NLE. Haha! I want to have the biggest faith I can have for this year. I may not be able to do it, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ^_^ And oh, I want something else. I'd love to meet mai moon-scarred leech. Haha! Wanted: lightning strike - power and speed and death rolled into one. ^_~

Thank You, Lord, for the year 2008. Thank You so much for Your amazing love for us. Hallelujah!


Sayonara, 2008. Welcome 2009!! ^___^

I release blessings and good health and a wonderful year for every person reading this blog entry. God bless!!!

Oh, praise the One who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the death!

RUNNING
~Kristian Stanfill

It seems I'm never free
from a past that holds me down
a past that haunts me now
but You, You break the chains
You shake the bondage off of me
You help me to believe

PreChorus:
I'm free to live
to breathe to walk with You

Chorus:
I'm running, I'm running
to leave the past behind
No shame to feel
no shame to hold me down
I'm running, I'm running
I'm never looking back
With You I'm strong
and I can dream again

Verse 2:
It's time to move along
I hear You calling me
to bigger better dreams
You, You give me strength
You give me everything I need
help my eyes to see

Bridge:
I won't look back, I'm moving on
I'm leaving the past, the past is gone
and I won't look back, I'm moving on
I'm leaving the past, the past is gone

Music:
Chris Tomlin - Indescribable