The work is only half done, but by winning Game 3 the Yankees put the Phillies in their first hole of the postseason. The decision by Charlie Manuel to not pitch Cliff Lee on three days rest means ace CC Sabathia will take on the pedestrian Joe Blanton in Game 4. That is why last night was such an important game.

It was a typical Citizen’s Bank Park game as you saw homers by Matsui, A-Rod, and one by Werth barely leave the yard. In most normal playing environments those are outs or doubles, but not in the friendly hitter confines of CBP.

I think the biggest play of the game was Andy Pettitte vs. Shane Victorino with the bases loaded in the second inning. Two runs were already in and there was only one out. A hit there might break the game wide open and Pettitte was able to induce a sacrifice fly and then strikeout Utley to keep the damage to only three runs. A-Rod’s homer got the Yanks going and they never looked back.

Sabathia goes on three days rest yet again tonight. I don’t think he needs to be great, only good, to beat Joe Blanton. He hasn’t been terrible this year, but his career ERA against the Yanks is over eight and he struggled down the stretch. Not exactly the guy on the mound I would want heading into a must win Game 4.

Pettitte Shuts Down the Lefties

Great point by Chad Jennings over at LoHud by pointing out that Utley, Howard, and Ibanez were 0-9 with six strikeouts against Pettitte. Andy admitted in the postgame that he didn’t have great stuff, but as I just mentioned he battled and minimized the damage. Ryan Howard is the only one that struggles against left handed pitching which makes the shut down even more impressive. I said yesterday that Pettitte is the perfect guy to take the ball in Game 3. He has experience in the big game, battles, and simply knows how to pitch. Heck, he even tied the game with a base hit!

Marte Dominant Again

Damaso Marte has been injured most of this year and not very good when he has pitched. He needed David Robertson to bail him out against the Twins in the infamous Phil Cuzzi game. However, he has been tremendous since then. Last night he threw 15 pitches in his inning of work and 13 were strikes. The ball didn’t even leave the infield. What perfect timing for Marte and what a tremendous weapon to have against the Phillies.

Swisher and Damon Join the Show

Nice to see Nick Swisher and Johnny Damon get back on track. Is it any coincidence the Yankees have their best offensive game when the complementary players join the offensive attack? Damon, Swisher, and Matsui combined to drive in half the runs. It’s those secondary hitters that make this offense so dangerous. Something tells me the Yankee bats are going to enjoy the bandbox called Citizen’s Bank Park.

A Sweet Doubleheader Sweep?

How about a big Giants win over the Eagles and a Yankees victory in Game 4? What better way to ruin the Philadelphia fans weekend than beating both of their beloved teams.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

Mike Silva

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Citizen's Bank Park, Damaso Marte, Hideki Matsui, Joe Blanton, Johnn Damon, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies