Honestly, there is no one in Philadelphia, probably the sports world who would have ever imagined Pedro Martinez making his second start of the World Series for the Phillies in New York at the beginning of the season. Hell, even when he signed in Philly, there wouldn’t have been anyone who could have seen this coming.
Ever since admitting that the Yankees were his “daddy” when he was with the Red Sox, Yankee fans haven’t let him forget it. Even though he didn’t get the win, he went 6 innings while giving up 3 runs and struck out 8. In New York. In Game 2 of the World Series.
This is exactly the type of game for which the Phillies signed Pedro. He has all the big game experience necessary to get the job done. He’s been in this pressure situation before and knows how to get through it.
If he can put up the same kind of numbers he did last Thursday, I’m sure the Phillies offense will be able to put up more than 3 runs against a “well rested” (3 days) Andy Petitte. Yes, he’s won the most postseason games in MLB history, but he’s also pitching on short rest, which he hasn’t done in 3 years.
For the first time in 6 years, there is going to be a Game 6 in the World Series. the last five have either been sweeps or 4-1 for the winner. It’s exciting to see two pretty well matched teams battle for the championship. All the talk in New York leading up to the World Series was about how easily the Yankees were going to win. I think New Yorkers forgot, or most likely didn’t know, that they were playing the World F*cking Champion Philadelphia Phillies. The Fightins have put up a valiant effort to defend their title, and obviously aren’t going down without a fight.
The season comes down to these last two games. If the Yankees win one, it’s over, and they have their 27th World Series Championship. The Phillies need to win two straight in New York. Do that, and it’s a 2nd straight title and 3rd in franchise history.
The pitching matchups seem to favor the Phillies, with full rested starters going against Petitte and C.C. Sabathia on short rest. Now it’s just up to the offense, mostly Ryan Howard, to show up and get it done.
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