The veteran pitcher understands the magnitude of tonight's game. The Phillies defeated the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series on Monday night, cutting New York's lead to three games to two. Martinez, who pitched well in a Game 2 loss, will be asked to extend his team's season. His reappearance in Yankee Stadium, against hitters and an opposing starter he has faced for more than a decade, will be filled with historical implications.
And if he defeats Andy Pettitte and the Yanks, the Series could become a classic.
"I look at this situation as a blessing," Martinez said. "What else would I want?"
At 38, Martinez has long since lost his best fastball. In Game 2, he handled the Yankees with creative pitch sequences - rather than overpowering hitters, he made them uncomfortable by changing speed and location.
For example, in a first-inning strikeout of old adversary Derek Jeter, Martinez began with four change-ups, all in different spots. He then shifted into an even slower gear, delivering a 70-m.p.h. inside curveball, followed by a 75-m.p.h. outside change-up.
He finished with a hittable 3-2 fastball down the middle of the strike zone, but a disoriented Jeter, who had seen slow and slower, out and in, swung through the pitch.
Martinez said that he did not plan those sequences. "Honestly, you might not believe it, but that's all created in the middle of the moment. What you see is a combination of experience and instinct. It's just instinct, surviving."
Manager Charlie Manuel said he was comfortable asking Martinez to win a crucial game.
