NY Yankees heading into crucial Game 6 of World Series with strongest offensive lineup

world series game 6 time

NEW YORK — The Yankees’ 8-6 loss Monday pushed the deciding game of the World Series to the Bronx. For the Yankees, that means a home crowd, the venue where they have won more than 60 games this year, and, most importantly, their strongest offensive lineup.

In an American League city, Hideki Matsui can return to his designated hitter role. And with Andy Pettitte on the mound Wednesday night — and ace CC Sabathia expected if a Game 7 is needed — Jorge Posada will be the starting catcher.

“It really makes the lineup a lot stronger,” Posada said. “I think having Matsui in there and having
myself, the lineup gets a little longer, and it’s a tougher lineup.”

The Yankees could have used that lineup in Game 5, which became a high-scoring game as soon as the Phillies put up three runs in the first inning before Yankees starter A.J. Burnett could record any outs.

But Jose Molina was in the game to be Burnett’s personal catcher and Matsui, deemed not physically able to play nine innings in the outfield, was used only as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

Both Posada and Matsui showed the impact they can make offensively in the ninth, when Posada doubled to lead off the inning and Matsui singled to restore hope in the Yankees’ late rally — though it ultimately fell short.

read full article : NY Yankees heading into crucial Game 6 of World Series with strongest offensive lineup
nj.com