Is Game 3 a Must Win for Both Teams?
October 30, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Playoffs, Stats and Analysis
With the World Series tied 1-1 after the first two games in New York, the Yankees and Phillies travel to Philadelphia to play the next three contests. While the World Series is in its infancy, many experts are saying that Game 3 is a must win for both teams.
While I don’t think it’s literally a must win, there’s no doubt this is an important game. And, yes, chances are high that whichever team wins Game 3 will be the 2009 baseball champion.
For the Yankees, the reasoning is mostly related to pitching. In Game 3, they have Andy Pettitte on the mound. If they don’t win the game, they’ll have to count on CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett in the next two games. Though they are both good pitchers, leaning on a pair of pitchers who will be throwing on short rest is risky.
Additionally, the Yankees hitters need some momentum. Someone like Alex Rodriguez needs to break out of his slump — and a Game 3 win will likely make that easier.
For the Phillies, it’s about protecting their home field. A loss in Game 3 would send the World Series back to New York. It would also make it mandatory to win Game 4 and Game 5 to have a chance.
We’ll see what happens but if you are going to watch any game in the World Series this year, be sure to make it Game 3.
Can Alex Rodriguez come to life in Game 3? (Image: Zuma Press)
