Lee may start Game 7

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PHILADELPHIA – Cliff Lee’s perfect postseason might not be over yet.

Lee could earn a Game 7 start for the Philadelphia Phillies if they force the World Series to a decisive game against the New York Yankees.

“As far as my availability, I’m available,” Lee said.

The Phillies’ left-handed ace has been flawless in the postseason with a 4-0 record and a 1.56 ERA in five starts. Manager Charlie Manuel bypassed Lee for a Game 4 start on three days’ rest because he wanted to keep him on his regular schedule.

He wasn’t his usual dominant self taking his normal turn in Game 5 on Monday night. Lee had far from his best stuff and allowed five runs in seven-plus innings before his bullpen bailed him out in Philadelphia’s 8-6 win over the Yankees.

“It’s a game where I had to battle a little more than I’ve had to the past few games,” Lee said. “Thankfully, we scored a lot of runs. We won, that’s the bottom line.”

Manuel said one reason he didn’t start Lee in Game 4 on short rest was because of concerns of his heavy workload.

Lee pitched 231 2-3 innings for the Indians and Phillies this season, and another 40 1-3 innings in the playoffs. Lee, the Game 1 winner, has pitched at least seven innings in all five postseason starts.

Manuel’s philosophy might change if Game 6 starter Pedro Martinez can help the Phillies win Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium and tie the Series at 3.

Lee would usually throw a bullpen session on Thursday. Manuel might use him for a few innings on just two days’ rest.

A-Rod’s records: A-Rod is atop the Yankees’ postseason RBI list.

Alex Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with three RBIs in Game 5 and now has knocked in 18 runs this postseason. He set the team record with 16 on an RBI double in the first inning of New York’s 8-6 loss to the Phillies on Monday night.

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