World Series Game 2 The Showdown Continues

The Phillies beat the Yankees 6-1 in game 1 that was dominated by Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee. It was slated as a pitching duel between Lee and Yankees ace pitcher CC Sabathia. Lee won this meeting.

Thursday nights' World Series game 2 is another key match up for the opposing pitchers. The Yankees is expected to start A.J. Burnett and the Phillies Pedro Martinez.

Neither pitcher has shown the consistency both teams need in such a crucial game. The pitcher that can pull out their best game can make the difference in not only the outcome of game 2, but the World Series.

This is Burnett's first preseason. He does not have a great record against the Phillies in the past.

Burnett usually starts off strong in the games and then fades as the game progresses. The Yankee bullpen will probably be called into duty early if Burnett starts fading.

Martinez actually tends to start off slow and then gets better as the innings tick off. The Yankees hitters need to exploit this in the early innings and get some runs on the board early. If they do, they may can cause the Phillies go to their bullpen early which is not a strong part of the Phillies team.

Regardless who the pitcher on the mound is for the Phillies, the Yankees must score more runs than they did in game 1. The Phillies held the Yankees to only one run, which was the first time in the preseason they had not scored at least four runs in a game.

The Phillies are going into World Series game 2 with history on their side now to repeat as champions. The winner of game 1 usually wins the championship.

The last time the loser of game 1 won the World Series was in 2002. The Angels came back to bat the Giants after losing game 1.

If the Phillies win World Series game 2, then they will take a big two game lead back home where they could finish out the best of seven series. The Yankees hope to go to Philadelphia even at one game each. A great deal rides on this game for both teams.

Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ