Anytime a team goes up 2-1 in the World Series, it makes Game 4 extremely important. In this World Series, it's even more important than you probably realize. If Philly wins tonight, they'll be up 3-1 with Cole Hamels yet to pitch a second time in the series. And they can avoid even having to go back to St. Petersburg. However, if the Rays win tonight, and tie this thing up, suddenly it's best of 3 with potentially 2 of those games coming on the Rays' home turf - with the potential for the Phillies to pull a desperation move if it goes to 7 by pitching Hamels on 3 days rest. Am I be bold enough to say that whoever wins tonight will win the World Series? Sure, why not.
The Rays lost a real tough one in Game 3 last night after battling back late to tie the game at 4-4. But they basically imploded in the ninth. It'll be interesting to see how they respond tonight. Judging by how the Rays managed not to let that stunning loss against the Red Sox in Game 5 of the ALCS kill them, I have a feeling they'll be ready to go.
The Phillies will send Joe Blanton to the mound tonight to try and give them a nearly insurmountable lead in the Series. Meanwhile, the Rays will counter with Andy Sonnanstine.
Blanton, who was 4-0 in 13 starts for the Phils after being acquired from Oakland, has struggled in his career against the Rays, going 2-3 with a 6.05 ERA in eight outings.
Sonnanstine, meanwhile, is 2-0 this postseason with a 3.46 ERA.
FanIQ still favors the Rays, with 62% of you picking them.
Feel free to chat it up here or on the game page.
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