As expected, Yankees manager Joe Girardi
announced Saturday that CC Sabathia will start Game 4 of the World Series
against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Just a day after Phillies manager Charlie Manuel announced that Joe Blanton
would start Game 4, Girardi said he would let his ace pitch on three days'
rest for Sunday's game. Philadelphia opted against the same strategy, choosing
instead to start ace Cliff Lee for Game 5 on normal rest.
Sabathia will be pitching on short rest for the second time this postseason,
having done so for Game 4 of the ALCS against the Angels. He was spectacular
in that contest, giving up one run on five hits in eight innings in earning
the win.
Despite the success, Sabathia has not fared well against the Phillies in the
playoffs. Last year, with Milwaukee, he started Game 2 of the NLDS in
Philadelphia and was hammered for five runs in just 3 2/3 innings. He threw 98
pitches -- only 55 for strikes -- and received the loss.
Sabathia also lost to the Phillies in Game 1 of this year's World Series,
although he gave up just two solo home runs to Chase Utley in seven innings.
The Yankees' prized offseason acquisition has pitched well in the playoffs
thus far in 2009, compiling a 3-1 record with a 1.52 earned run average in 29
2/3 innings pitched.
Girardi also hinted that he may start A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte on short
rest for Game 5 and Game 6 -- if necessary. If Girardi decides against that
strategy, Chad Gaudin could pitch Game 5. Sabathia is now lined up to pitch
a possible Game 7 on three days' rest.
The World Series is currently tied, 1-1, with Pettitte set to take on 2008
World Series MVP Cole Hamels in Game 3 on Saturday night at Citizens Bank
Park.
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