Round 1 of the 2009 Subway Series went to the Yanks this weekend as they took 2 of 3 from the injured and worn out Mets. It was quite a weekend and each game definitely had an extremely interesting storyline. A quick look at each game:
Game 1: Back and forth offensive game with neither starting pitcher on his game. Joba struggled with his pitch count, getting to 100 pitches after 4 innings. He only allowed 1 hit but he did hit 2 batters and walked a couple. The offenses for each team came alive and it was a nice display of power for both sides. But of course, this game will be remembered for its absolutely bizarre ending. With the outstanding K-Rod on the hill to close out the game, he allowed Jeter and Teixiera to reach base with A-Rod coming to the plate. Alex then proceeded to pop-up to Castillo and throw his bat down in frustration. What happened next will always be remembered in Subway Series history--Castillo dropped the pop-up!! Teixiera, motoring around from 1st base with 2 outs, never stopped running and scored the winning run...the Yankees had another walk-off win, 9-8. What an ending...if the Mets finish one game out of the playoffs, Castillo will always be remembered for letting that game slip between his hands.
Game 2: A lopsided victory for the Mets with journeyman Neive pitching brilliantly and keeping the Yankee offense in check. Pettitte struggled and this game was a good rebound for the Mets after the devastating loss from the night before.
Game 3: Unfortunately for the Mets, they couldn't keep the good vibes going for Game 3. With Santana on the hill for the Mets and Burnett for the Yankees most people bet on a great pitching duel...what insued, was a one-sided Yankee slugfest. Santana struggled with his control and velocity, making it only 3+ innings and yeilding a career high 9 ER. Burnett on the otherhand, escaped a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 3rd by striking out two and a soft line drive to Jeter. From that point on, he rolled, pitching 7 innings. Robertson and Hughes came on in relief to put the finishing touches on a 15-0 shut out, one of the biggest in franchise history.
This weekend taught us about both teams. The Yanks were resilient after being swept by the Red Sox, and the Mets were resilient after Castillo dropped the pop-up. Unfortunately for the Mets, the are ravaged by injuries and now with a struggling Johan Santana, it is looking harder and harder to catch the Phillies in the NL East.
After this point in the season, it looks like the Yanks are in the better position to make a playoff run. The Mets need to get healthy, make a trade or two, and have Santana pitch like an ace again to have a legitimate shot at the postseason.
Next up for the Yanks: that Single A baseball team from DC!
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