Phillies Preview: August 21, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies (69-49) at New York Mets (56-65)
7:10pm - Citi Field, New York, NY

Cole Hamels, LHP (7-7, 4.69) v. Mike Pelfrey, RHP (8-8, 4.75)

The opener of the four-game set features probably the most even pitching match up of the series. Cole Hamels, the Phils' struggling ace will take the mound against the Mets' Mike Pelfrey. Both pitchers have suffered this season from inconsistencies, which have led to rather pedestrian stats for each. Nevertheless, this could be a tight affair, as Pelfrey defeated the Phillies earlier this season.

Cole Hamels has had a rough year. He will look to get back on track on the road, where he has struggled the most. His opponent, the New York Mets, will be a skeleton of the lineup they usually present. Nevertheless, Hamels will need to have good command of his fastball against the AAA Mets in order to have success. Current Mets are hitting a modest .235 against him in 109 plate appearances. Only Angel Pagan has homered against Hamels and with Gary Sheffield's status in doubt, Pagan may be the key target for Hamels.

The Mets will send their best right-hander, Mike Pelfrey to the mound to oppose Hamels. Pelfrey has had a mediocre season and sports a very high ERA. Nevertheless, he is a ground ball pitcher and has had some success against the Phillies in the past. Current Phillies are hitting .278 against him in 147 plate appearances, though. The heart of the Phillies order has been hot lately, and Ryan Howard in particular has great career numbers against Pelfrey, hitting .353 with a homer in 21 plate appearances. If Howard can continue to roll, so too can the Phillies against Pelfrey.

Tonight's game will be played in spacious Citi Field, on a hot humid night. There is a chance for some rain, but there is a better chance that the ball could be flying all over the place. If Pelfrey and Hamels are not keeping their offerings down in the zone, the game could be uncharacteristically high-scoring. Tonight will also mark my inaugural visit to Citi Field. For those Mets fans out there that want to greet me with some good-natured antagonism can find me in section 506, wearing a bright red Phillies hat, Chase Utley jersey, and a 'kick-me' sign on my back.