Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Nick Swisher went 2-for-4 with one of the Yankees' three homers, which helped New York take an 8-5 win over the Phillies in a pivotal Game 3 of the World Series.
The Yankees had scored just four runs in the first two games combined, having been shut down by Cliff Lee in a Game 1 loss before scraping out a win against Pedro Martinez in Game 2 thanks to a superb effort by A.J. Burnett.
However, New York took the win in Saturday's contest, which was delayed more than an hour because of rain, thanks to its offense. In addition, the Yankees took a key 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup. Nine of the last 10 teams to win Game 3 when the World Series was tied 1-1 went on to take the title.
Hideki Matsui had a pinch-homer, while Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run shot that was only called a home run after video review. Johnny Damon hit a big two-run double in the victory for New York, which is in search of its 27th World Series title.
Andy Pettitte (1-0), who recorded an RBI single, gave up three early runs, but pitched well enough to get the win, which extended his own record for career playoff victories to 17. Over six innings, the left-hander gave up four runs on five hits and three walks, with seven strikeouts.
His lefty counterpart, Cole Hamels (0-1) took the loss after lasting just 4 1/3 innings, in which he surrendered five runs on five hits and two walks. The start continued a disappointing season and postseason for Hamels, who last season captured MVP honors in the NLCS and World Series for the defending champion Phillies.
But after going 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA in the regular season, Hamels posted a 6.75 ERA in there postseason starts entering Saturday's contest, which only continued his woes. Hamels has not pitched six full innings in any of his playoff starts in 2009.
Jayson Werth hit a pair of homers for the Phillies, giving him seven in this year's playoffs, while Carlos Ruiz added a solo shot.
The series continues Sunday back at Citizens Bank Park with Game 4, when the Yankees will pitch Game 1 starter CC Sabathia on short rest. The Phillies named Joe Blanton their Game 4 starter, opting not to pitch Lee on short rest.
