Score and situation: Yankees 7, Phillies 3 Yankees win Series 4-2
Leading lads: Stone-faced Hideki Matsui went 3-for-4 with a homer and six RBIs to almost single-handledly (or double-handedly, since we're talking swinging) make the Yankees offense go in Game 6. He made the most of his limited plate appearances, clubbing three homers and driving in eight runs in just 13 at-bats to win Series MVP. He also might have played in his final game with the Yankees; he will be a free agent.
Mariano Rivera was the Yankees' rock at the end of the game as usual, going the final 1 2/3 innings to close it out for a save — in spirit.
Head hangers: The Phillies went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and most of it hangs around the neck of Pedro Feliz(notes), who left five runners stranded.
Key play: The Phillies' best threat of the night came with them down four runs in the seventh, but left-hander Damaso Marte(notes) struck out Chase Utley(notes) with two men aboard to sink the rally. Marte had an awful, injury plagued regular season, but he was unscored-upon in eight playoff appearances.
Key stat: Pedro Martinez threw 77 pitches but 31 were outside of the strike zone. His inability to command, plus a lack of zip made it amazing the Yankees didn't score more.
What they're talking about: The Yankees won their first title since 2000, which seems like a couple of lifetimes for the Bronx Bombers.
What they're saying: "You never know where you're going to get back here." — Jorge Posada
What's next: A parade for the Yankees. Then spring training in about 3 1/2 months.
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