Yankees Phillies World Series Game 4 Preview
The Yankees Offense has Awoken as New York Takes Series Advantage
Nov 1, 2009
After three innings in Game 3, it appeared the home side had this game under control. Unfortunately for Philly, their question mark named Cole Hamels had a meltdown; coupled with a Yankees onslaught in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, the tide has turned in favor of the New Yorkers.
Game 3 Recap New York Yankees 8, Philadelphia Phillies 5
The first game in Philly was delayed 80 minutes due to rain. With the exception of the second inning, the night belonged to Andy Pettitte, who extended his lead in all-time post-season wins, now with 17. Pettitte was roughed up in the second inning, first on a home run by Jayson Werth (which would be the first of his pair on the night). During the Phillies rally, even pitcher Cole Hamels contributed with a successful bunt single that advanced runners.
But Pettitte pitched craftfully and settled down, striking out seven Phillies in six innings. Alex Rodriguez dusted off the cobwebs of an 0-for-8 World Series start that included six strikeouts. A-Rod went deep with first baseman Mark Teixeira on board, to chip away two runs into the Phillies lead. Pettite even contributed an RBI in the fifth inning with a base hit to centerfield.
From there, the offensive highlights for the Yankees included a two-RBI double by Johnny Damon that scored Pettitte and Derek Jeter, followed by solo home runs from Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui. The Phils scored one in the ninth on a home run by Carlos Ruiz but fell well short of catching up.
Key to Game 4 Phillies Pitcher Joe Blanton
By coincidence, Blanton's first start in the 2009 World Series comes in Game 4, just like in the 2008 Series. This move is really more of an effect rather than a cause, since it comes on the heels of resting Cliff Lee until Game 5. Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said that if the Series goes to a seventh game, he wants Lee to pitch the finale as well.
Blanton gets the nod over lefty J.A. Happ, whom Manuel could have started. Blanton's numbers aren't bad (he was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA this season, and got a no decision in his only post-season start, giving up three in six against the Los Angeles Dodgers). However, Blanton has never looked good against the Yankees, going 0-3 with an 8.18 ERA. Mind you, the last time he faced the Yanks was in June 2008. Blanton's job is really just to give a solid outing into the 6th inning where Happ and the bullpen can take over, hopefully with a big lead from their offensive wrecking crew.
Key to Game 4 Yankees Right Fielder Nick Swisher and Shortstop Derek Jeter
Two other key players that could make a big impact in Game 4 are Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher and shortstop Derek Jeter. Swisher entered the Series hitting .114 this postseason, but had two hits including his first post-season home run in Game 3. If he can make his starts offensively effective, then Manager Girardi can bring in Matsui late to pinch hit and play the outfield sparingly.
Jeter went 1-for-5 in Game 3 and although he has collected five hits in his last 13 at-bats, he has also struck out five times and hit no home runs. Whether it's fate, the law of averages, or simple Yankee luck, it's very likely Jeter will show more power, possibly going deep. The timing couldn't be more perfect, since the Yankees could virtualy ice the Series with a good show of offense on Sunday night.
Make no mistake: Game 4 means everything to the Philadelphia Phillies. They either tie the Series or dig themselves an enormous hole that would require them to win three straight, including two in New York.
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