World Series - Game 2

[KingTSports]

October 23rd, 2008

On the strength of a 1st inning 2-run HR from Chase Utley, and 7 strong innings of work from Cole Hamels, the Phillies were able to win Game 1 of this year's World series, on the road, by a 3-2 count. Utley's shot gave Hamels a cushion and he was able to nurse it by allowing on 5 hits to the Rays and getting the ball to Lidge who retired the meat of the Rays lineup, in order, in the 9th for his 50th consecutive save of the season. Rays Iwamura had solid game in losing effort driving in one the Rays runs with a solid shot to the gap with 2 outs in the 5th scoring Bartlett and closing the score to 3-2, which proved to be the final scoring of this contest.

Tampa Bay will hand the ball to James Shields in hopes of salvaging a game for the Rays before this series heads to Philadelphia over the weekend. Rays lost both of the Shields starts in the ALCS, and James surrendered a pair of the dreaded "gopher balls" in a 4-2 loss to the Sox in which he surrendered 9 hits in just 5 and 2/3 innings of work. Shields will need to keep the ball in the park if TB is to have a reasonable shot at evening up this series.

In opposition of Shields in Game 2, the Phillies will send out Brett Myers in an attempt to steal both games in Florida. Myers led Philly to a win in each series leading up to the fall classic, but he was particularly sharp in the NLCS game against the Dodgers where the Philly bats secured that win. In the win against the Dodgers Myers worked 5 innings, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits before giving way to relief in a 8-5 win. Both of his previous playoff starts were on the road, so this could be quite a different scenario for Myers in Game 2.

Predicted the Phillies to win Game 1, which they did, and for the Phillies to take this series, but starting pitching will be touch and go. Will be backing the Rays tonight in Game 2 as they look to even this series up at a game apiece.

Tampa Bay Shields -150

Action for the Thursday night college football was posted yesterday, and just as a reminder KTS is backing the efforts of Auburn and Air Force. Also, my packages for this weekend's football, both college and pro, are ready to go and after solid showing last weekend this service will be looking to garner momentum like a rolling boulder with what appears to be a solid slate of plays. Be sure to check back at the site for some free selections along with the details on this weekend's TOP PLAY selections that must win or your fee will be REFUNDED.

BEST OF LUCK to all with your action on Thursday.

T

King T Sports Handicapping Service

[KingTSports]

need to learn to proof read PRIOR to posting.....

Myers was NOT particularly sharp in his NLCS start......in fact, he was as shaky as an octagenarian descending a steep set of stairs. both of playoff starts were at HOME and tonight he is on the road.

T