The Rocket Deserved Better!

Rocky first inning and lack of
offense leaves Clemens without win


Oh, what Roger Clemens wouldn't give to have that first inning back. In what was billed as his last major league start Clemens labored in the inning, giving up 5 hits and three runs. He threw 42 pitches with only 25 of them for strikes.

Roger Clemens settled down after that and completely dominated the Marlins for 6 innings. In those innings he only gave up 3 hits and no runs. The best the Yankees' offense could do was score one run in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Aaron Boone. The bases were loaded at the time and two men were left after the Yanks ran out of outs.

The Rocket did himself proud as he turned in the type of gutty performance that has been a hallmark of his career. He did what he was supposed to do. Keep his team in the game. His offense did not. They didn't score the necessary runs for the Rocket to win. Clemens punctuated his performance by striking out the last batter he faced.

As Roger walked off the mound he received a standing ovation by the Marlins crowd. They were watching a legend walking off the mound for the last time. Even the opponents stood and saluted the Rocket. Clemens came out for a curtain call and then left for the evening.

Marlins pitcher Carl Pavano was tough, very tough on the Yankees. He completely hog tied the Bombers allowing only the one run on 7 hits. He left the game after the 8th inning with a 3-1 lead.

Unfortunately, for the Fish and Pavano Marlins' closer Ugueth Urbina gave up a one out double to Bernie Williams, a walk to Hideki Matsui and allowed a sacrifice bunt by David Delucci. Williams and Matsui moved up on the bunt, setting the stage for pinch-hiter Ruben Sierra.

Sierra came to the plate and delivered a triple scoring both Williams and Matsui. The Yankees failed to score Sierra as Boone grounded out to end the inning.

Although Clemens didn't leave the game a winner, thanks to Ruben Sierra's timely hit he didn't leave the game a loser either. The Yankees and Marlins continued battling through the 10th, 11th and 12th innings.

The 11th inning, in my opinion, was the Yankees downfall. The Bombers loaded the bases with one out. Aaron Boone struck out and catcher John Flaherty popped out to left field to end the Yankees' threat.

Jeff Weaver, who hadn't pitched since September 24th, entered the game for the Yankees in the bottom of the 11th. Weaver who has had a terrible 2003 season had an easy 1-2-3 inning allowing the Yankees to come to bat in the top of the 12th inning. However, New York, again, failed to score and Jeff Weaver took the mound to face Marlins' shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

Gonzalez batting just .143 in the series worked Weaver to a 3-2 count. And in a situation that has become all too familiar to the Bombers and their fans Weaver unleashed a sinkerball that Gonzalez connected with. He hit a low liner over the left field wall near the 330 foot sign. The Marlins walked off 4-3 winners and evened the World Series at two games apiece.

Was this the last time we'll see Roger Clemens on the mound? With the series guaranteed to go back to the Bronx for at least Game 6 who knows. Tomorrow's Game 5 is pivotal for both teams. It is now down to a best-of-three games. Although two of the games are scheduled to be played at Yankee Stadium the Yankees don't want to go back home down 3-2.

If there is a Game 7 expect both managers to throw everything they've got at each other. That means, starters, relievers, closers and the chief bottle washer if need be. There is a chance that we'll see the Rocket's glare one more time. If not, thanks for the memories Roger. You will be missed.

PLAY BALL!

(c) 2003 Yankees Talk Shop @ ezboard.com

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