A-Rod's reversed homer fuels Yanks Game 3 win

PHILADELPHIA – Alex Rodriguez was awarded a home run after the first instant replay review in World Series history as the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-5, on Saturday for a 2-1 lead.

Nick Swisher and pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui also homered for the Yankees, and Johnny Damon hit a tiebreaking, two-run double. Jayson Werth connected twice and Carlos Ruiz had one homer for the defending champion Phillies

“This was my first time coming to this ballpark. It just seems like you’re going to have a slugfest a lot,” Swisher said. “It was a great day for us.”

Rodriguez’s shot in the fourth inning was originally called a double. It was his first hit in the Series, and became a two-run homer after umpires reversed the call and correctly ruled it hit a camera above the right-field wall.

“It was a big hit. I think it woke our offense up a little bit,” Rodriguez said.

After pitching dominated the first two games in the Bronx, the Yankees and Phillies showed their muscle, combining for six home runs.

Rain affected the Series schedule in Philadelphia for the second consecutive year, delaying the start by 1 hour, 20 minutes. Once they hit the field in front of their boisterous fans, the Phillies took a 3-0 lead – but it was squandered by a struggling Cole Hamels.

Game 4 is Sunday. Joe Blanton pitches against Yankees ace CC Sabathia, who goes on three days’ rest for the second time this postseason.

Pettitte settled down after a shaky start and even helped himself at the plate with a tying single. His six-inning outing was enough to earn his 17th postseason win, extending his major league record.

“He closed off our left-handed hitters,” Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said.

Some fans were dressed in Phillies red – others in full costume for the second-ever World Series game on Halloween. They whipped around white rally towels, but their team just got whipped.

Ruiz homered in the ninth off Phil Hughes. Mariano Rivera finished up at 12:42 a.m. in a non-save situation.

“It was an absolute grind tonight, that’s for sure,” Pettitte said. “I can’t remember winning a game where I’ve struggled like I did tonight. So it’s very gratifying.”

With the Yankees down three runs, Mark Teixeira walked in the fourth and Rodriguez hit an opposite-field drive deep into the right-field corner. He cruised into second base with an apparent double after the ball ricocheted back onto the field. (AP)