World Series Gameday: Yankees at Phillies, Game 3

New York Yankees (1-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)

Andy Pettitte, LHP vs. Cole Hamels, LHP

Time: 7:57 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Few Showers, 69 degrees
TV: FOX
Twitter: Phillies Nation

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 the city of brotherly love 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.  Cole has allowed 20 hits in 14.1 innings, but has only allowed two walks.  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 leader in postseason wins and career pickoffs.  Pettitte is a finesse pitcher, not overpowering;  however, he has stretches where he lacks command.  In all of his starts this postseason, the lefty lasted 6.1 innings and did not allowed more than three runs.  In May, Pettitte allowed four runs over seven innings against the Phillies.  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).

No DH tonight, Yankees.

Your Gameday Beer – Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter

On a night like tonight, this is the beer you need. Brewed by Midnight Sun Brewing out of Alaska, this thick dark beer pours like melted chocolate. However neither the chocolate nor pumpkin flavors are overwhelming. The scents of molasses, gingerbread, and roasted malts help to polish this brew into something delicious. It goes well with BBQ, but tonight have it alongside the candy intended for trick-or-treaters. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!