Friday, August 14, 2009

Phillies Preview: August 14, 2009

7:30pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA

Joe Blanton, RHP (7-6, 4.02) v. Jair Jurrjens, RHP (9-8, 3.01)

Joe Blanton is coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Marlins, 3-2 last Friday. He has had six days off to prepare for his next start against the Atlanta Braves, who are playing well right now. The Braves will send their young, star righty Jair Jurrjens to the mound in the opener of the series. This will be a match-up of solid right-handers in a pitcher's park, so we could be headed for a tight game. Blanton will need to have strong command in order to give the offense a chance to get the jump on Jurrjens in this one.

Despite his most recent loss, Blanton is still pitching very effectively lately. His ERA is still somewhat inflated from early season struggles. However, Blanton has struggled against the Braves this season, allowing 10 earned runs in nine innings pitched, over two starts. He didn't factor in either decision, but the Phils were 1-1 in those games. Current Braves are hitting a lofty .315 against him in 120 plate appearances, led by Brian McCann's .600 average and two homers. The name of the game for Blanton tonight will be to keep the Phillies close against a tough counterpart. The task will not be easy as the Braves' lineup is significantly better than in recent years.

Jair Jurrjens toes the rubber in opposition of the Phillies tonight. The under-the-radar pitcher is quietly having another superb season. Despite the mediocre record, his ERA and peripheral stats are fantastic. Jurrjens has dominated current Phillies hitters, hold them to a .194 batting average against him in 142 plate appearances. Jurrjens is 2-0 against the Phils this year, holding them without an earned run in 12.2 innings pitched. Of the current Phillies, Shane Victorino might have the best numbers against Jurrjens with a modest .267 batting average. However, in order for the Phillies to break through against this tough righty, they will need their table setters on base, early and often.

This won't be the easiest match-up for the Phillies. But coming off of their sweep against the Cubs, they can build some momentum to carry them through the weekend with a win tonight. More importantly, the team can make a statement in the NL East against their division rivals starting tonight. This series is extremely important, and that starts with game one tonight.

No comments:

Post a Comment