World Series betting continues and we could have a classic on our hands after seeing C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett hurl gems in Games 1 and 2. For the second time in three games, we’ll see a lefty-versus-lefty matchup in Game 3 as the series shifts back to Philadelphia. Can the Phillies bounce back at home, where they’ve been untouchable in the playoffs over the last several seasons?
World Series – Game 3
New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies
Saturday, October 31, 7:57 p.m. ET
Andy Pettitte (2-0, 2.37) vs Cole Hamels (1-1, 6.75)
Online betting odds: Yankees -123, Phillies +103
The Phillies give the ball to Cole Hamels for Game 3 and can only hope their supposed ace regains his World Series MVP form of 2008. So far, so bad for Hamels in the 2009 playoffs. The stat line has been ugly for him: three starts, 14.2 innings pitched, six homers allowed, 11 earned runs, 20 hits and a .308 average. Hamels is throwing strikes — he’s walked just two batters — but he’s been strangely hittable. It’s worth noting, however, that he was significantly better at home this season (7-5, 3.76) versus on the road (3-6, 4.99), so there’s a chance he bounces back like a late-charging horse at the racebook.
Philly’s hitters face a tough test in Andy Pettitte. Not only has Pettitte turned back the clock so far in the playoffs, he pitched well on the road all season, sporting a 3.71 ERA and allowing just six homers in 94.2 innings. A hitter’s park like Citizen’s Bank thus may not scare him like it does some pitchers. The Phillies have plenty of lefty killers in theory, and Chase Utley certainly did a number on C.C. Sabathia in Game 1, but they’re underachieving against lefties overall in the playoffs; no Phillies hitter is batting better than .250 against southpaws.
Factoring in (a) Hamels’ slump; (b) Pettitte’s experience and hot streak; (c) Philadelphia’s inability to get it done against lefthanded pitching; and (d) New York’s momentum after winning Game 2, all signs point to another Yankee win. Make the Bronx Bombers your MLB picks for Game 3.
Pick: Yankees -123