Phillies Preview: September 20, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies (86-61) at Atlanta Braves (79-69)

1:30pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA

Cliff Lee, LHP (14-11, 3.00) v. Tommy Hanson, RHP (10-3, 2.65)

The final game of this divisional series will feature the Phillies' co-ace Cliff Lee against the rookie phenom, Tommy Hanson. Lee hit a rough patch with the Phils but has bounced back after several poor starts. He will have a chance to avenge one of those poor outings as he faces the Braves for the second time this season. Meanwhile, Tommy Hanson has put up very similar numbers to Jay Happ this season. However, he has a full arsenal of pitches that help make him a prolific strikeout pitcher. Needless to say, this lines up to be the third pitcher's duel of the series.

Cliff Lee will look for some revenge against the Braves, who touched him up for several home runs in their first meeting this season. Lee has since rebounded from a tough stretch with the Phillies, tossing a complete game shut out in his last start. As a result of that poor performance, current Braves are doing well against Lee with a .350 batting average in 83 career plate appearances. Lee will need to have his full arsenal working this afternoon and try to keep his pitch count down against a solid Braves order.

For the Braves, Tommy Hanson will get his second shot at the Phillies this season. The star rookie had a rain-shortened start for the Braves in Philadelphia earlies this season. Hanson is having a great initial campaign, with a high strike out total. Current Phillies have only eight career plate appearances against Hanson and are batting .250 with a homer in that limited action. They will need to be very patient and get Hanson's pitch count up in this game. They must avoid too many strike outs and force the rookie to earn his outs in the field.

The Phillies will try to bounce back this afternoon, against the Braves and win the series. They have their co-ace, Cliff Lee on the mound and their offense has been showing more signs of life lately. If they can match the Braves' intensity this afternoon, they should have some success. With a win, they will lower their magic number to seven as they prepare to head to Florida this week.