World Series Game 6 Preview

The Yankees are still chasing that elusive 27th championship, and will look to catch it tonight by beating Philadelphia in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium.

After New York took a commanding 3-1 series lead in the best-of-seven series, the Phillies put together a winning combination of solid pitching and offense to win Game 5, 8-6 and force the series to return to New York.

The Phillies are trying to become the first team to rally from a 3-1 World Series deficit since the 1985 Kansas City Royals. To do that, Philadelphia might need slugger Ryan Howard to break out of his slump. Howard is batting .158 (3 for 19) with 12 strikeouts. Second baseman Chase Utley, however, is doing more than his share. His five home runs, including two in Game 6, matched the mark set by Yankees Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson in 1977.

The Yanks will be looking to christen their new ballpark with a World Series crown in its first season. They’ve got two chances to do it. A Game 7 would be Thursday night in New York, if necessary.

Pedro Martinez, 38, will get the start for Philly, facing off against Yankees’ 37-year old lefty Andy Pettitte. Martinez and Pettitte have faced each other six times on the mound and both are 3-3, but have never met in a playoff game. Not to mention one this huge.

Pettitte is 3-0 with a 3.24 ERA in four starts this postseason, including a Game 3 win at Philadelphia. Martinez pitched well in a Game 2 loss at Yankee Stadium, and is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in as many starts.

The odds makers have the Yankees at –1-½ favorites in Game 6 with a game total of 9 ½.

Look for the Phillies to get ahead early and hold off New York forcing a decisive Game 7.

Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.