Charlie Manuel didn't have Tom Seaver in Game 4 last night. But he didn't have Cole Hamels either with his negative vibes and a Joe Bstlfk black cloud hanging over his head waiting for rain even with a 3-0 lead and a no-hitter going in Game 3. Joe Blanton hauled his well-rested bones out there and gave his teammates and a throng that bobbed from torpor to hysteria as the taut drama unfolded a professional effort while paired against CC Sabathia, the hulking Yankee ace who was working - or more accurately running on fumes - on 3 days' rest.
Bill Conlin: Ghosts of World Series past haunt Phillies
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But the Bronx Bombers went to their wet-washrag attack. Blanton needed just 11 pitches to navigate the first inning and had a 2-0 deficit to show for his thrift. American League Hank Aaron Award winner Derek Jeter celebrated the prestigious prize with an infield single, then Johnny Damon launched the only ball barrelled off Blanton's crisp assortment, a ringing double to rightcenter that scored Jeter. Then Joe did something Hamels might have considered during his woeful Saturday night meltdown. He buried a fastball off the bulging left bicep of Alex Rodriguez with such obvious intent that both benches were warned.
A high, hard one will trump a dirty look every time, the Daily News has learned.
The brink. Welcome to the abyss half of history's World Series teams have faced. Hello darkness our old friend.
Does "Alex Rodriguez, Mr. November," have that special ring?
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