With their backs to the wall, the Phillies came through with a win in Game 5 of the World Series. Now, trailing 3-2, Philadelphia must head into New Yankee Stadium and win two straight if it wishes to knock of the northbet pick Yankees. Pedro Martinez will throw for Philly while Andy Pettitte gets the call for New York.
World Series odds: Game 6
Phillies at Yankees
Wednesday, November 4 at 7:57 p.m. ET
Martinez took the loss in Game 2 of the World Series but he pitched well on enemy grounds. The crafty right-hander allowed three runs in six innings while striking out eight batters. The crowd was expected to be very hostile on Martinez but, save for a few half-hearted "Who's Your Daddy?" chants—a reference to a quote by the pitcher back in 2004—he got off relatively easy. Martinez has the benefit of taking the mound on full rest. That will be crucial since Philly has such a sketchy bullpen; Martinez has pitched longer than six innings just once in his last four starts.
Pettitte will take the ball for New York. He's 3-1 in the postseason with a 3.24 ERA, but he showed signs of slowing down in Game 3 when he allowed four runs in six innings of work. Pettitte did strike out seven batters, but the Yankees are clearly hoping for a better effort on Wednesday. Philly went deep off the veteran twice in that game.
Both of those homers came off the bat of Jayson Werth, so Pettitte might be better served pitching away from the outfielder. They were Werth's only two homers of the World Series. Most of Philly's power has been supplied by Chase Utley, who has an incredibly five home runs—including two multi-home-run efforts. He's been an awesome weapon for Philadelphia.
The Yankees continue getting heroics from Alex Rodriguez. Since an 0-8 start over the first two games, A-Rod is 4-10 with a homer and six RBIs. Johnny Damon has been nearly as good, hitting .381 with a .435 on-base percentage, four RBIs and three stolen bases—including his crucial double steal in Game 4.
This is a pressure-packed affair which shouldn't bother either Martinez or Pettitte. Both have been there, done that. The offenses are rather even too, but Martinez has the benefit of going on full rest while Pettitte is throwing on three days rest—something he hasn't done in years. Bet on the Phillies.
