After big win, Lee ready to pitch in Game 7

Phillies ace might be able to go an inning or two if needed

Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies hovered at the precipice Monday night and left-hander Cliff Lee had just enough on his regular four days' rest to keep them alive in the World Series. The question now is how much does he have left?

By virtue of Lee's seven-plus innings of five-run, seven-hit ball, the Phils held on to win, 8-6, at Citizens Bank Park and now trail the best-of-seven series, 3-2. If they get through Game 6 behind Pedro Martinez on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, Lee may get the ball for an inning or more the next night in Game 7.

"I'll pitch whenever they want me to pitch," Lee said after the game. "That's about as clear as I can say it. I'm ready whenever. I don't really get that sore, so I'll be ready to pitch whenever they want me to. If it's going to help the team win, I'm in."

The Phils are trying to become the seventh team in World Series history and the first in 24 years to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win the World Series. For the next two games, it will be all hands on deck.

Cole Hamels, last year's all-world and this year's all-misfit, went in to talk to manager Charlie Manuel after the game to clear any misconception there might be about his availability to pitch again this season. Despite a 1-2 record, a 7.58 ERA this postseason and a poor start this past Saturday night, Hamels told Manuel he wants to start Game 7.

"Of course I want the ball in Game 7," Hamels said. "It's something you dream about as a kid. Even though I haven't had the results, I'm geared up to do it."

With Game 6 pending, Manuel wasn't ready to declare a starter for Game 7 and Hamels acknowledged that fact. The MVP of last year's Phillies World Series victory over the Rays in five games is on the bubble, although Manuel's choices beyond the left-hander are pretty narrow.

That became pretty acute when Manuel sent Lee out to start the eighth inning Monday night already having labored through 103 tough pitches and the Phillies leading, 8-2.