Schilling Might Not Be Ready for Game 7

The New York Yankees have returned to the desert to claim another World Series championship, and Curt Schilling might not be available for a decisive stand if the Arizona Diamondbacks win Game 6 tonight at Bank One Ballpark.

Arizona Manager Bob Brenly said Friday that the right-hander has experienced arm soreness since his superb seven-inning outing in Game 4 on three days’ rest.

So, the best starter in postseason play might not .pitch Sunday on short rest if the Diamondbacks force Game 7, further dampening their Series hopes.

The Diamondbacks lost three one-run games at Yankee Stadium, two in dramatic fashion that added to the lore of the sport’s most storied franchise. They trail, 3-2, in the Series, and the Yankees need only one victory for their fourth consecutive title, fifth in six years and 27th overall.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson hopes to prolong Arizona’s season against Andy Pettitte in a rematch of Game 2 starters.

The Diamondbacks know what they’re facing after witnessing the magic of the Yankees first-hand, and now a member of their formidable 1-2 pitching punch could be sidelined.

“At this point, we are just going to have to wait and see how Curt feels,” Brenly said.

“He expressed some concern [Thursday] that he was a little more taxed physically than he thought he would be after pitching in Game 4. We’re just going to have to play it by ear.”

Schilling downplayed a report indicating he would not pitch if the series were to be extended. So, could he?

“Yeah, I can, and if [Brenly] gives me the ball I will,” said Schilling, 4-0 with a 0.88 earned-run average in five playoff starts.

“I talked to the skipper the day after the game ... told him I felt I was sore.

“I mean, it was 299 innings into the season. The seven hardest ones I threw were the last seven, so I was sore. But it’s amazing what 48 hours and some baseball will do for you.”

The Diamondbacks would probably start Game 3 loser Brian Anderson if Schilling couldn’t pitch in Game 7.

Of course, the Diamondbacks first must win Game 6, and they acknowledge that won’t be easy because of their opponents’ flair for fantastic finishes.

TODAY

NEW YORK’S ANDY PETTITTE VS. ARIZONA’S RANDY JOHNSON

BANK ONE BALLPARK, 4:45 PST

TV--Channel 11

Radio--KSPN (1110), XTRA (690)

Update--Johnson pitched a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts in Game 2. Pettitte gave up five hits, including a three-run home run to Matt Williams, and four runs in seven innings.