The script finally played out in Game 5 as many thought many it would on paper, as the 2009 Yankees hit 3 home runs and drubbed the 1973 Mets 7-0 to take a 3-2 lead in the Sim Series.

Jerry Koosman started for the Mets on 3-days rest and his rust showed, giving up runs in each of the first 3 innings. Alex Rodriguez doubled in Derek Jeter in the first, Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher went “back-to-back and “belly-to-belly” in the second, and A-Rod added a home run in the third to make it 5-0.

This was where the Mets started their Game 3 comeback a couple of nights earlier, but A.J. Burnett wasn’t about to allow that to happen. He was erratic, again, but scattered 7 hits and 3 walks over 5 innings.

Just when Burnett was about to break, Joe Girardi made sure to bring in reinforcements as Alfredo Aceves was called on in the sixth to clean up a bases loaded/no out situation. That he did, as he struck out John Milner, and Jerry Grote grounded into a double play. Aceves would also dodge a small 1st and 3rd/no out rally in the 8th.  He would pitch the final 4 innings, saving the bullpen, and earning the save. He’s been invaluable in the series pitching 8 scoreless innings and giving up no runs.

Yogi Berra called on George Stone to pitch the final 4 innings. Stone was originally scheduled to start Game 4 before he ceded to Tom Seaver on short rest. There was some thought that Stone would get the ball in Game 6, but his relief appearance all but insured that Jon Matlack will return. Stone started out shaky, but finished solid with 4 innings of 2 run ball.

Burnett got the win and Koosman took his second loss of the series.

Today is a travel day as the series picks up on Wednesday with Game 6 at Yankee Stadium. Jon Matlack will return on short rest to take on Andy Pettitte in a rematch of the wild Game 3. Matlack only pitched 3 innings in his first outing.

It would reason the Yankees want to end this on Wednesday since they face the specter of Tom Seaver in a Game 7. Although Seaver will be going on short rest for the second time, so will his opponent, CC Sabathia.

Thus far “The Franchise” has given up only 3 runs in 17 innings, walking 6 and striking out 23

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Tags: 1973 Mets, 2009 Yankees, A.J. Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Alfredo Aceves, George Stone, Jerry Koosman, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Strat-O-Matic