The momentum has shifted in the World Series, as the Phillies now are the team that looks to even things up tonight at Citizens Bank Park. The Yankees captured Game 2 on Thursday, 3-1, then headed to Philadelphia and rallied past the Phils, 8-5 in Game 3. Probably the best thing coming out of the win for the Bombers was the breakout of Alex Rodriguez, who snapped a string of nine hitless at-bats by knocking out a homer in the fourth inning, his sixth of the postseason.
Losing the designated hitter in the National League didn't faze the Yankees, as Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher each went deep on Saturday, offsetting a pair of homers by Phillies' right fielder Jayson Werth. Andy Pettitte settled down following a shaky start to pick up the victory, while Cole Hamels continued to struggle this postseason, allowing five earned runs.
Turning the page to tonight, CC Sabathia goes on three days rest for the second time this postseason, looking to atone for his Game 1 loss. Sabathia delivered a quality start, scattering four hits and two earned runs in seven innings of work, but didn't receive his usual run support in a 6-1 defeat. Also, the opening game matchup was pretty much a wash on the mound with Sabathia facing former teammate Cliff Lee. Tonight, the Yankees have the distinct pitching advantage, as the Phillies send out Joe Blanton.
Blanton has made just one start since October 2, as the Phillies' righty pitched in the NLCS against the Dodgers. Blanton took the mound in Game 4, but received a no-decision in a 5-4 victory, as Jimmy Rollins delivered a walk-off, two-run double. Blanton's numbers weren't terrible, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings of work, but the former Athletic left the game trailing. This will be Blanton's second career World Series start, after dominating the Rays, 10-2 in Game 4 last season.
Blanton's previous start against the Yankees came as a member of the A's back in 2008, a 4-1 home defeat. The righty allowed six hits and four earned runs in 6.2 innings of work, but it was a Matsui grand slam that accounted for all the Yankees' runs. In four career starts, Blanton is 0-3, with an ERA of 8.18 against the Bombers. A-Rod has connected for two homers against Blanton, while going 4 for 7 in their head-to-head matchups.
The loss last night was just the second in the last 13 postseason home games for the Phillies, who have not seen an underdog price this high at Citizens Bank Park since August 27, 2008 as a $1.55 'dog against Johan Santana and the Mets. In this 13-game span of home playoff games, the longest 'dog price was $1.20 last year against Milwaukee, facing none other than CC Sabathia (the Phils won 5-2).
Chris David of VegasInsider.com doesn’t always sticks with trends, but gamblers should be aware of how these teams do on Sunday. "Philadelphia is an amazing 23-6 (79%) on the first day of the week, and that includes two wins in the postseason. The Phillies edged the Rockies 6-5 in the NLDS and then routed the Dodgers 11-0 in the NLCS," explained David.
"Before you run to the counter and jump on the Phillies bandwagon, make a note that the Yankees have posted an 18-9 (67%) mark on Sunday, which includes a perfect playoff mark of 2-0 as well," David notes.
The Yankees have cashed consistently as favorites this postseason, going 9-1, while compiling a 7-3 mark on the run-line. Blanton has not fared well in the role of an underdog, dropping five of his last seven starts at plus-money.
New York is currently listed as a $1.70 at most spots, while the total is set at 8 ½ (Bet $1.20 to win $1.00 on the 'over').
You can reach Kevin Rogers via e-mail at rogers@vegasinsider.com
