Yankees Even Series 1-1

Thursday night, the New York Yankees won 3-1 over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win evened the series at a mark of 1-1 in a best of seven series.

Yankees’ starter, A.J. Burnett, was dominant through seven innings giving up one run on four hits, striking out nine along the way. Mariano Rivera came into the game in the 8th and quickly closed out the game. Burnett gave up the lone run in the 2nd on a two out double by Raul Ibanez.

Mark Texiera tied the game in the 4th with a home run and Hideki Matsui hit the go ahead run in the 6th inning on a pitch below his knees. Jorge Posada added another run with a no out single in the 7th, scoring Brett Gardner.

The usually powerful Phillies’ offense was quiet, as Burnett’s performance was dominant. Ryan Howard stuck out four times.

For the Phillies to have success in this series they  must have production from their three through five hitters, Utley, Howard, and Worth. The three combined to go 1 of 11 tonight win a walk and no runs.

The Yankees hope to continue their success when series goes to Philadelphia for the next two games. It looks as though Cole Hamels will be going against Andy Pettitte. Pettitte has had success this offseason (2-0, 2.37 ERA through 3 starts) where as Hamels has struggle, posting a 6.75 ERA through 3 starts for a 1-1 record. The Yankees should take advantage of Hamels recent struggles and get the win Saturday night.

If the Yankees can split in Philadelphia, the series would be theirs to lose.