The Yankees have a stranglehold on the World Series as we head into game five tonight in Philadelphia. While the Yankees can taste their 27th World Championship they will have to wait one more game to savor the sweet taste of victory.

Cliff Lee takes the hill for the Phillies tonight against the Yankees A.J. Burnett. Lee befuddled the Yankees in game one for a complete game in which he allowed only one unearned run. He struck out 10 while walking none for the second consecutive playoff game becoming the first pitcher to do so. The Yankees had no answers for him in game one and I don't see that changing in game 5.

The Phillies are due for an offensive breakout and A.J. Burnett is the one Yankee pitcher able to make that happen. While Burnett has had his moments throughout the season and playoffs he has also been maddingly inconsistent. If he struggles with his curveball it could be a long night for him and the Yankees.

Alex Rodriguez has quieted the critics the last two games by coming up with two huge hits. Ryan Howard on the other hand continues to struggle and is closing in on the record for most strikeouts in a series. If Howard can't get right soon it won't matter if Lee wins tonight or not.

The only hope the Phillies have in winning this series is if the Yankees decision to go with a three man rotation blows up in their faces. If the Phillies can get to Burnett tonight and Andy Pettite in game 6 they got a chance. However, I'm still picking the Yankees in 6.