Pettitte, Hamels square off in crucial Game 3

The World Series line for Saturday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia is backing New York on the road, as they send their veteran lefty to the mound to face last year’s World Series MVP.

Yankees vs Phillies odds – Saturday, October 31, 7:57 PM ET

Andy Pettitte (2-0, 2.37) clinched the ALCS for the Yankees in their 5-2 Game 6 win over the Angels, allowing a run on seven hits over 6.1 innings, along with six strikeouts and a single walk. The 37-year-old southpaw is 2-2 in seven career starts against the Phillies with a 3.67 ERA, but he’s 1-0 in two outings at Citizens Bank Park, posting a 0.75 ERA. Pettitte has allowed four runs in 12.2 innings on the road so far in the postseason, and his veteran experience will be a huge key in this game.

Cole Hamels (1-1, 6.75) lasted just 4.1 innings in a 10-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS, giving up three runs on just five hits. The problem is, three of those hits were solo homers, and going up against a home run-happy New York lineup can’t be encouraging. Hamels has faced the Yankees just twice, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

Northbet.com sportsbook odds have the Yankees as a -123 road favorite, and they’re 2-2 away from Yankee Stadium so far in the playoffs, while the Phillies are 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels’ struggles have been puzzling, and it’s not a new thing: the 25-year-old southpaw hasn’t been himself all season, which is why it’s tough to put your faith in the Phillies.

Online betting pick: New York Yankees -123