Phillies Preview: Giants Series 9/1 - 9/3

San Francisco Giants (72-59) at Philadelphia Phillies (75-53)

The Philadelphia Phillies welcome the San Francisco Giants into Citizens Bank Park this week for a pivotal three-game series. In what could be a potential playoff preview, the Giants, who are tied for the lead in the NL wild card, will come to town off an emotional sweep of the Rockies at home this past weekend. The Phillies, meanwhile, took two of three from division-rival Atlanta and will look to continue their solid play against contending teams.

September 1, 2009
Cole Hamels, LHP (7-8, 4.52) v. Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (6-10, 4.27)

7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

The Phillies will open September with their ace on the mound. Cole Hamels will look to continue the success he had in his last start against the Pirates. Despite not getting a decision, Hamels looked as good as he has in several months. He will be opposed by another southpaw in Jonathan Sanchez. Sanchez has had an inconsistent season, but has looked much better since throwing a no-hitter earlier this year. He beat the Phillies earlier this season in San Francisco.

Pitching Primer: Cole Hamels

2009 Home Splits: (4-3) 12 G, 72.0 IP, 4.12 ERA, 71 K

Career at Citizens Bank: (24-15) 51 G, 331.2 IP, 3.47 ERA, 306 K

Career vs. Giants Hitters: 88 PA, .207 BA, 0 HR, 21 K

Pitching Primer: Jonathan Sanchez

2009 Road Splits: (2-8) 14 G, 67.1 IP, 4.81 ERA, 78 K

Career at Citizens Bank: n/a

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 58 PA, .180 BA, 1 HR, 17 K

September 2, 2009
J.A. Happ, LHP (10-3, 2.63) v. Brad Penny, RHP (7-8, 5.61)

7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

The second game of the three game set will feature a Rookie of the Year candidate and a crafty veteran. Newly acquired Brad Penny will take the ball for the Giants and oppose Happ. He is a solid righty, with good but not electric stuff. Jay Happ still has the tough task of facing him. However, Happ is putting together a very solid season of his own, but the Phillies will need to find a way to support him if they are to take the first two from the Giants.

Pitching Primer: J.A. Happ
2009 Home Splits: (4-1) 14 G, 57.1 IP, 3.77 ERA, 47 K
Career at Citizens Bank: (4-2) 21 G, 86.0 IP, 4.40 ERA, 74 K
Career vs. Giants Hitters: n/a

Pitching Primer: Brad Penny
2009 Road Splits: (2-5) 11 G, 60.2 IP, 5.79 ERA, 49 K
Career at Citizens Bank: (1-0) 2 G, 13.0 IP, 2.77 ERA, 14 K
Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 186 PA, .195 BA, 4 HR, 40 K

September 3, 2009
Pedro Martinez, RHP (2-0, 4.50) v. Tim Lincecum, RHP (13-4, 2.33)

7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Pedro Martinez will get the start in the finale of the series. The Phillies will look to get him through a start at home without a rain delay to see what he has to offer. Thus far this season, Martinez has looked good but not great. He will take on Tim Lincecum, who might be one of the best pitchers in the game today. He features dominant command and the ability to strike out anyone in the lineup. This will be a very tough game for the Phillies.

Pitching Primer: Pedro Martinez

2009 Home Splits: (0-0) 2 G, 5.0 IP, 1.80 ERA, 4 K

Career at Citizens Bank: (1-1) 6 G, 23.1 IP, 6.56 ERA, 29 K

Career vs. Giants Hitters: 93 PA, .287 BA, 0 HR, 16 K

Pitching Primer: Tim Lincecum
2009 Road Splits: (5-3) 13 G, 90.0 IP, 2.90 ERA, 101 K
Career at Citizens Bank: (0-0) 2 G, 12.2 ERA, 2.70 ERA, 25 K
Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 105 PA, .202 BA, 4 HR, 25 K