MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 31 October 2009 / Leave a comment

With the Series drawn at one a piece, Nick Shiambouros tells us why his money is on the Philadelphia Phillies in what he expects to be a close encounter.

"This promises to be another close game but my money will be on the Phillies in this one. I think they can make the most of their home advantage and will punish Andy Pettitte if he makes any sort of mistake early on in the game."

The New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in a close affair at Yankee Stadium late on Thursday to tie the series at one game apiece. The Philies took an early lead with an RBI single from Matt Stairs in the second inning but New York came back in spectacular style. Mark Teixera and Hideki Matsui hit two enormous home runs to give the Yankees the lead and hold on for the win.

The game was not without controversy though as there were two important calls that were missed in this game. In the seventh inning Ryan Howard clearly trapped a ball from New York hitter Johnny Damon which resulted in a double play to retire the side.

In the eighth inning Chase Utley was called out at first base when he was clearly safe and this resulted in Philadelphia losing a chance to tie the game.

I think it is time for MLB to embrace the idea of instant replays and employ a NFL-like challenge system to eliminate these human errors. Instant replay is only used for home run decisions at present .

On Saturday evening the series moves to Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 of this pulsating series.

Cole Hamels starts for the Phillies in this critical game but he has been a little disappointing in the post-season. Last year Hamels was outstanding for Philadelphia in the play-offs and played a big part in winning the World Series. He is a huge talent and will give the Yankees a world of trouble if he is at his best on Saturday.
　
The reliable Andy Pettitte is on the hill for New York and he has had a fantastic post-season. Pettitte does not have a huge fastball but he more than makes up for that with his accuracy one he settles in to a game.
　
This promises to be another close game but my money will be on the Phillies in this one. I think they can make the most of their home advantage and will punish Andy Pettitte if he makes any sort of mistake early on in the game.

Recommended Bet:
Back Philadelphia at [2.06] in the outright market in Game 3

Tags: Andy Pettitte, baseball bets, baseball previews, MLB bets, World Series tips