Fall Classic Game 4 - Yankees v. Phillies

After a long rain delay, the 3rd game of the World Series got under way. Both pitchers started out pretty well, until the second inning, when the Phillies got to Andy Pettitte for 3 runs, including one he walked in. But then, Alex Rodriguez woke up. He smacked a two run homer off the outfield camera, which involved the use of Instant Replay of a home run by the Umpires for the first time in a World Series game. That cut the Phillies lead to 3-2. And the Yankee bats continued to swing. Outfielder Nick Swisher, like A-Rod, also awoke from his long slumber, hitting both a double and a home run of his own, making up for his missed catch in the outfield. Hideki “Godzilla” Matsui came in and hit a pinch-hit home run as well.

On the Phillies side, Jayson Werth smacked two home runs off of eventual game winner Andy Pettitte (now 17 postseason wins), a bright spot for Phillies fans. Yankees reliever Philip Hughes gave up a homer to Carlos Ruiz, which got the fans back in it, but the joy was short-lived. The final score, which came in the wee hours on Sunday morning, was 8-5. The Yankees now lead the best-of-seven series 2 - 1.

Today’s match-up brings the return of CC Sabathia to the mound, who now, thanks to the Phillies, has a 3-1 postseason record. Sabathia is hoping to redeem himself from what was a shaky outing for him, giving up two home runs to Chase Utley in the opening game of the World Series. Sabathia will also be pitching on three days rest, which worked out pretty well for him the last time when he pitched against the Angels in the ALCS. Clearly, manager Joe Girardi is hoping lightning will strike twice. (Photo by Taz675)

On the other side, the Phillies will not be using Cliff Lee on three days rest. Pitching for Philadelphia instead is Joe Blanton with a 12-8 regular season record, and an ERA of 4.05. His post season record is 0-0, with an ERA of 4.66. Blanton came to the Phillies in 2008 and has the distinction of belting a home run in Game 4 of the World Series last year. That is no small feat - he is only the 13th pitcher to ever hit a home run in the Fall Classic. And, he is the first since 1974 to do so (Ken Holtzman was the last). What makes this even more impressive is that Blanton had spent his career in the American League before coming over to the National League last year. The Phillie Faithful are hoping this former University of Kentucky Wildcat can help them even up this series. (Photo by Divide the Ocean)

Hopefully, there will be NO rain for tonight’s game. Of course, that’ what they originally said for last night’s game, and we all know how THAT worked out. In any event, the game has a later start tonight due to NFL Sunday, with the opening pitch due at 8:20 p.m. on Fox (sigh - yes, those same announcers, Tim and Joe - honestly, I think even the most rabid Red Sox fan could be more unbiased toward the Yankees than these two have been. Just saying.).

As always, I hope to see y’all here, Yankees and Phillie fans both! Should be a good game!