Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees (-191, 9.5)
Pitching
Pedro Martinez (Philadelphia Phillies) vs. Andy Pettitte (New York Yankees)
Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.63 ERA)
This is a throwback to earlier in the decade when these two weathered postseason veterans collide in Game 6 of the World Series. Martinez answered any questions about his mentality facing the Bronx Bombers.
The right-hander gave up three runs – leaving two runners on when he was yanked in the sixth inning of Game 2. Martinez allowed six hits including two home runs while striking out eight batters and walking just two. He’s going on five-days rest Wednesday night and if any player would relish denying the Yankees a world championship it is the self-proclaimed “most influential player in Yankee Stadium history”.
Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.18 ERA)
As of Tuesday morning, all signs are pointing to Andy Pettitte for the Yankees’ Game 6 starting pitcher. The veteran lefty would be pitching on three days' rest, marking the first time in two seasons Pettitte would take the mound on limited downtime.
He lasted six innings against Philadelphia in Game 3, giving up four runs on five hits including two home runs. He struck out seven and walked three batters, earning his third win in four postseason starts. At home, Pettitte is 7-4 with a 4.40 ERA.
Injuries
Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino is nursing a sore finger on his right hand after being struck by a pitch in Game 5 Monday night. Victorino toughed it out for most of the game and X-rays revealed no break.
He was icing his hand following Monday’s win and is expected to be in the order for Game 6 Wednesday. For the series, he is hitting just .167 with four total bases and two RBIs.
New York will be without outfielder Melky Cabrera for the remainder of the World Series due to a strained hamstring. He will be replaced by rookie Ramiro Pena. Cabrera was hitting .153 in the World Series with two hits and three strikeouts.
Batting
Phillies second baseman Chase Utley continues to swing the big bat in the World Series. He hit two home runs in Game 5, tying Reggie Jackson’s record for most home runs in a series with five. He’s hitting .333 with eight RBIs and 22 total bases.
New York outfielder Johnny Damon is the best bat in the Yankees’ order. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a walk in Game 5, improving his World Series numbers to .381 at the plate with 10 total bases and four RBIs.
Pick: Over 9.5
