Time for Phillies to start hitting, says Manuel

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said it was time for the defending World Series champion Phillies to rise to the challenge after Saturday's 8-5 loss to the Yankees put them 2-1 down in the Fall Classic.

"If we're going to get going, it's time for us to do it," said Manuel, aware that time was against them in the best-of-seven series.

Philadelphia's powerful lineup has not fully clicked in the series. Lead-off hitter Jimmy Rollins is hitting .200, Shane Victorino, second in the batting order, is at .182.

Slugger Ryan Howard, who hit two homers and drove in 15 runs in the first two playoff series, went 0-for-4 on Saturday to drop his World Series batting average to .154 with one run batted in and nine strikeouts.

"Good pitching stops good hitting," said Manuel. "We could come out tomorrow night and score runs. We're definitely capable of putting runs on the board. It's just a matter of time that we do.

"We've got to come out with the idea that we're going to get them tomorrow."

Right-fielder Jayson Werth smacked two home runs off Yankees starter and winner Andy Pettitte but Philadelphia's early three-run lead failed to stand up.

"It would have been a lot nicer to hit two homers in a win," Werth told reporters. "We just have to brush this off right away because we have a game tomorrow night."

New York ace CC Sabathia starts on short rest in Sunday's Game Four in Philadelphia against right-hander Joe Blanton.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels, MVP of last year's World Series, gave up two runs in the fourth and three runs in the fifth Saturday before he was removed from the game.

Should the World Series go the full seven games, Hamels would be in line for the decisive start.

"It was a tough night, mentally draining," said Hamels, who had breezed through the first three innings without giving up a hit. "I really do hope I have that opportunity (in Game Seven). It's one of those games where you can redeem yourself."

Second baseman Chase Utley was confident the Phillies could battle back from the deficit.

"We have been bouncing back all year and there isn't anybody in this room who doesn't think we can't bounce back again."

(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)