Paul Hagen: Yankees believers in short rest

-- Third base open. After Johnny Damon singled with two outs in the top of the ninth, he stole second and then advanced to third because the Phillies neglected to cover the base. It didn't cost the Phillies the game, but it was an embarrassing lapse. Manager Charlie Manuel said it was the responsibility of Brad Lidge or catcher Carlos Ruiz to cover.

-- Rest stop. Yankees manager Joe Girardi brought back ace CC Sabathia on short rest last night. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel held back Cliff Lee until tonight to start him on his normal turn. Since the Phillies lost and now trail the best-of-seven series three games to one, Manuel is sure to be second-guessed, even though neither starter got a decision.

-- Up against the wall. The Phillies will face elimination tonight for the first time since Oct. 6, 2007, when they were down two games to none in the best-of-five National League Division Series against the Rockies at Coors Field. Colorado won that game, 2-1. Only two of 15 teams that fell behind three games to one in the World Series since division play started in 1969 have come back to capture the championship: 1979 Orioles and 1985 Royals.

-- Left out. The Phillies' Big Three lefthanded hitters - Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez - are a combined 10-for-48 (.208) in the World Series. They have three homers, all by Utley, seven RBI . . . and 22 strikeouts Overall, the Phillies are just 17-for-81 (.210) against Yankees lefthanded pitching.