The Phillies were counting on the 38-year-old Martinez to get them to a Game 7. He had earned it with two quality starts in the postseason after contributing five wins in the regular season.
But last night, Martinez couldn't summon enough of his guile and big-game experience to keep Matsui from stomping on the Phillies' comeback hopes.
"They got me. That's it. It's over," Martinez said as he hustled toward an elevator with media in pursuit. Then he was gone into the chilly Bronx night.
Matsui, who homered off Martinez in Game 2, drove in all four runs Martinez allowed in the four innings he pitched. The Yankees' designated hitter got New York going with a two-run homer in the second off a 3-2 fastball, then stretched the lead to 4-0 on a bases-loaded single in the third, which made him a career 9 for 19 (.444) with four doubles, two homers, and five RBIs against Martinez in the postseason.
It was apparent from the start Martinez had no steam on his already diminished fastball, which rendered his change-up less effective. For some reason, Martinez rarely threw the curveball.
"The two hits [Matsui] got off Pedro were fastballs," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He did not have a good fastball. Basically, he was touching 87-88. Before, he was hanging around 90-91."
Still, it was unfortunate for Martinez that he even had to face Matsui in the third. He opened the inning by striking out Brett Gardner, one of five whiffs Martinez had before he was pulled for Chad Durbin. Derek Jeter hit a sinking line drive to center that Shane Victorino misplayed into a single. Apparently thinking the ball was hit harder than it was, Victorino broke back before racing in and short-hopping the ball.
