New York advanced to the sport's biggest show for the 40th time by outlasting the Angels over six games in the AL Championship Series.
The Yankees will host Philadelphia Wednesday to start the closing chapter of the 2009 baseball season. The Phillies will be trying for their second consecutive World Series title.
Pettitte struck out six and allowed a run over 6 1/3 innings to win in the playoffs for the 16th time in a 15-year career. He had been tied for the all-time record with John Smoltz.
Joba Chamberlain relieved Pettitte in the seventh with a runner on first, one away and the Yankees holding a 3-1 lead. Chamberlain quickly worked his way out of danger.
The Yankees then called on Mariano Rivera to deliver a two-inning save and he gave up a two-out, RBI single to Vladimir Guerrero in the eighth.
Rivera, however, was given some cushion when the Yankees scored two runs thanks to two errors in the eighth. He retired the side in the ninth for his 36th post-season save.
The first three New York runs came in the fourth, allowing the Yankees to overcome a 1-0 deficit.
New York loaded the bases with one away against Joe Saunders and Johnny Damon delivered two runs with a single to center. An infield single by Mark Teixeira again loaded the bases and Alex Rodriguez drew a walk on a 3-1 pitch to drive in the third run of the inning.
Darren Oliver relieved Saunders and prevented further trouble by getting Jorge Posada to ground into a double play.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
I was rooting for the
I was rooting for the Angels, that's too bad they lost. Go Phillies!!
Post new comment