Game 3 observations
PHILADELPHIA -- A big comeback produces an 8-5 win and a 2-1 Series lead for the Yankees. Now CC Sabathia is coming back Sunday against Joe Blanton. Even on three days rest, I call that one advantage, Bombers. Be sure to see our Web-only version of the game story, with comments from the clubhouses.
More thoughts from Game Three:
Cole Hamels: Guess 2008 was a fluke? How do you explain it? He's not mentally tough when things go against him and his pitches are flat. What a dilemma for Charlie Manuel. No way you can trust this guy to go in Game Seven. Especially being down, the Phillies need Cliff Lee to match up with Sabathia today and in Seven.
Andy Pettitte: He's mentally tough. He made sure a three-run deficit didn't get bigger. He even got a key hit. The all-time leader in postseason wins. Yeah, there's three rounds so stats are skewed. But we've been doing it 15 years now this way. The stats mean something.
Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher: Welcome to the World Series. Especially in A-Rod's case, the Phillies are in trouble if he heats up.
Ryan Howard: He's been a diaster so far. Nine strikeouts. Howard and Chase Utley were 0 for 8 with five Ks in this one as the Yankees continue to neutralize the left-handed bats in the Phillies lineup.
Joe Girardi: Used Hideki Matsui in a good spot and got a pinch home run. But did he really need to use Mariano Rivera in the ninth? Phil Hughes gave up a solo home run and there was still a three-run lead and one out. Wonder if that will hurt Rivera the next two nights.
Philly fans: Citizens Bank Park was electric. Much louder than the new Yankee Stadium. We'll see about the next two days.
The umpires: They got it right on replay. A-Rod's ball hit the camera for a home run. But we do we even have RF umpires if they can't see that ball? What else are they out there for?
---Mike Harrington
