A.J. Burnett to Start in Game 5
November 1, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Baseball
Even after A.J. Burnett pitched so well in Game 2 for the New York Yankees, it wasn’t certain that the Yankees will go with him in Game 5 on only three days of rest. But now, after the announcement by manager Joe Girardi, it is certain.
The Yankees went with C.C. Sabathia in Game 4 on only three days of rest and will do the same with Burnett in Game 5. In Game 2, Burnett pitched seven innings and allowed only four hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters.
While most major league pitchers struggle on only three days of rest, Burnett actually has a good history in this situation. In four starts on short rest, he has a 2.33 ERA and earned a win in each of the four contests.
The Phillies will counter with Cliff Lee. Lee, who won Game 1, has been amazing in the playoffs so far. He has a 0.54 ERA in four starts in the playoffs. In Game 1, he went nine innings and didn’t allow an earned run.
AJ Burnett will start Game 5 (Image: Zuma Press)
