It wouldn’t be a Yankee playoff game without crappy weather, so of course the forecast tonight calls for a chance of rain. Eh, whatever, it’ll be fine.
As for the game, the Yanks will get their second crack at 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels this year, after he held them to just two runs in six innings. Hamels has gotten rocked so far this postseason, who has put 20 runners in base in just 14.2 IP over three starts, including 6 (!!!) homers allowed. The Bombers have hit just .222-.258-.349 in the World Series so far, so hopefully they can get back on track tonight.
Andy Pettitte will get the ball on five day’s rest, working for the first time since he sent the Angels back to SoCal will their halos between their legs. Charlie Manuel says Pettitte’s stuff is dwindling, so I’m really hoping lefty makes Manuel eat his words tonight.
Here’s the starting nine(s):
Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Andy Pettitte, SP (14-8, 4.16)
Philadelphia
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Shane Victorino, CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Jayson Werth, RF
Raul Ibanez, LF
Pedro Feliz, 3B
Carlos Ruiz, C
Cole Hamels, SP (10-11, 4.32)