Phillies Preview: August 25, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies (72-50) at Pittsburgh Pirates (51-71)

7:05pm - PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Joe Blanton, RHP (8-6, 3.86) v. Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (11-8, 4.15)

Joe Blanton is quietly putting together a solid season for the Phillies, though his record does not reflect how well he's pitched. Blanton will be opening the series against the Pirates and will look to take advantage of the young, inexperienced lineup. He will be opposed by Ross Ohlendorf, one of the Pirates' best starter this season. Ohlendorf leads the Pirates in wins and has posted a respectable ERA for most of the season.

Blanton will look to earn his ninth win of the season in Pittsburgh. In limited action against Pirates hitters, Blanton has held them to a .120 batting average over 53 plate appearances. The young Pirates lineup is aggressive and can be shut down easily. However, they also have some up-and-coming superstars, led by center fielder Andrew McCutchen. The goal for Joe Blanton tonight will be to feed off of his opponent's aggressiveness and pitch deep into the game.

Ross Ohlendorf will oppose Blanton tonight for Pittsburgh. Ohlendorf has put together a surprisingly good season, while pitching for a bad team. He is not an over-powering pitcher, but he is young and crafty. The righty will face one of the toughest challenges of his young career, as he takes on the red-hot Phillies. In 32 plate appearances, Phillies hitters are batting just .185 off Ohlendorf. But lately, they have been hot, which includes Ryan Howard, who always seems to finish seasons strong.

Tonight's game will be another test on the road for this Phillies team that has won 40 already away from home. They will need a strong performance from Joe Blanton to preserve the bullpen, as their next off day is not until next Monday. If the Phillies hitters can figure out Ohlendorf, it shouldn't be too hard for Blanton to find his way to win number nine on the season.