MLB World Series
I am a little disappointed the NFL doesn’t have a Sunday night game, I love switching back and forth between baseball and football but if last night was any indication, there may not be too many dull innings this World Series. The Yankees bats woke up last night as Andy Pettitte benefited from three homers Saturday and the New York Yankees took a 2-1 World Series lead with an 8-5 win over Philadelphia.
Pettitte was not his usual dominant self in the postseason and in six innings of work, Pettitte (1-0) gave up four runs and five hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. He also hit a fifth-inning RBI single and extended his career playoff record to 17 victories.
I really had a few questions about the Yankees but they have been answered. Could they rely on A.J. Burnett to deliver in Game 2? Who would step up from their bullpen besides Mariano Rivera? When would Alex Rodriguez really come alive in the world series?
But all those questions have been answered over the past two games. Burnett pitched a gem in Game 2, the bullpen – outside of Phil Hughes – was outstanding in relief of Andy Pettitte Saturday night and A-Rod knocked out his first World Series homer in Game 3.
The Yanks lead 2-1 heading into Game 4 tonight and now it’s the Phillies that have the problems and unanswered questions. Where’s the Cole Hamels of a year ago? Who is going to stop the Yankees hitters other than Cliff Lee? Can Ryan Howard, who’s struck out in seven of his last eight at-bats, return to form?
New York manager Joe Girardi is sending out ace lefty CC Sabathia on three days’ rest for a second straight start and CC says he’s not worried about the short turnaround from his last appearance.
Sabathia threw 113 pitches in Game 1 of the series on Wednesday, but Girardi has good reason to think his hefty hurler can shoulder the extra load.
Sabathia pitched eight innings and gave up just one run on short rest in the Yanks’ 10-1 Game 4 win of the ALCS against the Angels. He also carried the Brewers to the postseason last year pitching multiple times down the stretch on three days’ rest.
Sadly, we won’t see the Cliff lee tonight, so the Phillies may be in trouble. Remember though, dating back to last season, the Phillies are 11-2 in their last 13 home playoff games.
Odds supplied by Betus
957 New York Yankees C.C. Sabathia – L -1½ -110 -170
958 Philadelphia Phillies Joe Blanton – R +1½ -110 +150
No related posts.
