Phillies Preview: September 22, 2009 - Game One

Philadelphia Phillies (87-61) at Florida Marlins (80-70)
4:10pm - Land Shark Stadium, Miami, FL

Joe Blanton, RHP (10-7, 3.97) v. Josh Johnson, RHP (15-4, 3.01)

In the first game of a back-to-back double header, the Phillies will send steady Joe Blanton to the mound to take on Josh Johnson of the Marlins. Blanton has been consistent this season, and will need another strong performance against the Fish. They will counter with their ace, Johnson, who was been dominant all season, including against the Phillies. This will be a tough test, right off the bat for the Phillies, as the two teams play on the field less than 24 hours after the Monday Night Football game.

The Phillies will need Blanton to go deep into this afternoon's game. He has been steady and will try to get the Phils off to a strong start in Miami. Blanton does have decent numbers against the Marlins in his career, holding them to a .257 batting average against in 121 plate appearances. The key for Blanton will be to get off to a strong start and keep the Phillies close as they battle a tough starter. If Blanton can keep his pitches down and rely on his defense, he should have success.

Blanton will be opposed by Marlins' ace Josh Johnson. Johnson, the righty, has been dominant this year, especially against the Phillies, who have struggled to figure him out. He is a strike out pitcher with a live arm, which is all set up by his fast ball. For their collective careers, current Phillies are batting just .248 in 144 plate appearances. The Phillies will want to be patient and not get themselves out against Johnson. However, they must be ready to attack as the hittable pitches will be few and far between.

Facing their division-rival's ace in the opener of a pivotal series with major playoff implications is a tough task for the Phillies and Joe Blanton. However, if they aim to prove that they belong, they will need to make a statement against the Marlins. A win can propel them through the series against the Fish, taking pressure off the team, while inching them even closer to their third consecutive NL East title.