Series champs

The New York Yankees proved they are the best team in baseball with their masterful postseason performance culminating in a World Series championship Wednesday night.

The 7-3 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series was the Yanks' first title since winning three straight from 1998-2000. But it was the franchise's 27th world championship.

The Phillies, who were trying to become the first National League team to win back-to-back World Series since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-76, had their moments. Chase Utley delivered five homers in the Series to tie with Yankee legend Reggie Jackson. Pitcher Cliff Lee won two games.

But the Yankees' all-around solid play — good pitching, consistent defense and timely hitting — made them champions, as did their team spirit. Hideki Matsui tallied eight hits for 13 at-bats, with three homers and eight RBIs, six of them in the final game. Starter Andy Pettitte and closer Mariano Rivera led a talented pitching staff. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada turned in veteran performances.

It was a good, competitive World Series. But the Yankees, who won 103 games in the regular season and went 11-4 in the postseason, made quite a statement in their first year at a new stadium. The 2009 season adds another worthy chapter to the franchise's history.