Sunday, August 16, 2009

Phillies Preview: August 16, 2009

8:00pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA

J.A. Happ, LHP (8-2, 2.75) v. Javier Vazquez, RHP (10-7, 2.90)

J.A. Happ has been downright filthy all season long. He pitched well in a no-decision his last time out against the Cubs. Now, he will be showcased on national television as the Phillies close their series with the Braves on ESPN. If Happ is to get his ninth win of the season, the task will not be easy as he will be opposed by Javier Vazquez. Vazquez, the strikeout-type pitcher, is quietly having a superb season for the Braves, with an excellent ERA. After splitting the first two games with the Braves, this will be a very important statement game for the Phils.

Happ has had several starts against the Braves in his career, with great success. Lifetime his is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA against Atlanta and current Braves are hitting just .151 in 60 plate appearances against him. Braves reserve Kelly Johnson has the only career homer against Happ, among his current teammates. However, as usual, the real key for Happ will be to get out the tough duo of power hitters, Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. Happ has been dominant on the road this season and never shies away from the national spotlight, so you can expect a solid performance from him tonight.

Javier Vazquez will be opposing Happ and will pose quite the challenge for the Phillies offense. After a weekend filled with missed opportunities, the Phillies cannot afford to waste scoring chances against Vazquez. He features some unhittable stuff and can strike out anyone in the lineup. Lifetime against current Phillies hitters, he has held them to a .215 batting average in 242 plate appearances. He has, however, surrendered 10 homers to Phillies, including four to Raul Ibanez. Ibanez showed signs of breaking out of his slump yesterday with a pair of doubles.

On a game that has major playoff implications on national television, the Phillies need to come out strong. Earlier in the week on ESPN, the Phillies blew out the Cubs. They need to find the same intensity and finish this road trip 5-1 before returning home. The Marlins are four games back and the Braves are just behind at five games. With a win tonight, the Phillies can open up a comfortable lead in the East.

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