David Phelps saw what went on in the first game. Just about anybody with a working pulse came out of the Yankees bullpen and worked. So he knew as the Game 2 starter in the day-night doubleheader he would have to go deep in the game.
So he matched his career best of 6 2/3 innings pitched, throwing a personal high of 110 pitches.
“I knew I needed to go out there and pitch as deep as I could,” said Phelps, who might not have been around for the decision in the Yanks’ sweep-completing 2-1 Game 2 victory over Toronto last night but was as responsible as anybody. “That’s my goal every time, but I did know we used a lot of guys in the first game.”
Just about everybody except Luis Arroyo and Mike Stanton.
So Phelps set himself on a great pace to have a long night with a 10-pitch first inning. Then came the second inning, a 35-pitch labor that saw the Blue Jays score their only run. In the assessment of catcher Chris Stewart, Phelps was trying to be too fine.
“We just told him to be more aggressive,” Stewart said. “It looked like he was trying to pitch too much instead of just throwing his fastball and let it go. His fastball is good enough that he doesn’t have to be too precise with it.”
And after a chat with pitching coach Larry Rothschild, Phelps said he went back to being himself — and realizing the situation. With the Yankees. In September. In a pennant race.
“I felt good. The first couple innings were a little rough,’’ Phelps said. “I was kind of fighting my mechanics, then I got on a nice little roll there. I was happy we could pull it out. My curveball and changeup were really working. I was getting early contact. And guys were in the right spots.
“Every time I hit the mound I kind of pinch myself. And this time of year it’s surreal, it really is. This whole year has been,” added Phelps, who gave up just three hits and three walks while fanning six. “To go out there and pitch for the Yankees, it doesn’t get any better.”
Phelps exited in the seventh after an error by Derek Jeter, a hit and a walk loaded the bases. But the bullpen again did the job.
“I put him in trouble in the seventh inning. He threw strikes and kept us in the game,” said Jeter.
And then the Yanks pulled it out.
“He pitched an outstanding game,” said Joe Girardi. “Two outs in the seventh — he pitched really well.”