World Series Game 3 Preview

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YankeesNew York Yankees (1-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
Andy Pettitte, LHP vs. Cole Hamels, LHP

When asked if this year felt "more like a World Series" compared to last year's, Jimmy Rollins responded: "when we get to Philly, it will." The Fall Classic moves to Philadelphia with the series split at a game apiece. The Phillies are 11-1 at home in the postseason since 2008. "It makes it a lot more fun, because you know they're your fans, and you know how that sound can echo off your ears when they're not your fans," Rollins said.

Cole Hamels starts defending his World Series MVP award tonight, but he isn't going to win back-to-back MVPs unless he has an outstanding start tonight. His 2008 postseason heroics are almost forgotten with his 1-1, 6.75 ERA during this year's playoffs. He has kept walks to a minimal. He allowed 20 hits in 14.1 innings, but walked only two. Not only does he need to limit the hits, but Hamels needs to keep the ball in the yard. In his career against the Yankees, Hamels is 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

Hamels will be opposed by Andy Pettitte, the all-time postseason wins leader. Pettitte is a finesse pitcher, not overpowering. However, he has stretches where he lacks command. In all of his starts this postseason, Pettitte lasted 6.1 innings and did not allowed more than three runs. Pettite allowed four runs over seven innings against the Phillies in May. He hasn't pitched at Citizens Bank Park since 2006.

On Thursday, A.J Burnett was magnificent, and there wasn't much that the Phillies could do. Today, the right-handed bats will need to step it up, as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez are a combined 8-for-37 against Pettitte.

Phillies lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Hamels (P).

Greg Dobbs is available after recovering from the flu.

Yankees Lineup: Jeter (SS), Damon (LF), Teixeira (1B), A-Rod (3B), Posada (C), Cano (2B), Swisher (RF), Cabrera (CF), Pettitte (P).

Welcome to the National League, Yankees. No DH tonight.

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