Phillies Preview: NLCS Game Three

National League Championship Series - Game Three
Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1) v. Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
Sunday October 18, 2009 - 8:07pm ET
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
40° F - Cold, Rainy

Cliff Lee, LHP (0-0, 0.00) v. Hiroki Kuroda, RHP (0-0, 0.00)

After splitting the first two games of the National League Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies will return home to host the Los Angeles Dodgers for three games. Game three will be a very important one to set the tone for the rest of the series, with both teams trying to get a leg up on their opponent. Cliff Lee will take the mound for the Phillies and will be opposed by Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers. The weather will be cold and rainy and may play a factor, and wind may also influence the game this evening.

Starting Pitcher: Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers

Hiroki Kuroda will get the start for the Dodgers after being meidcally cleared to pitch. Kuroda has been on the shelf for several weeks with a bulging disc in his neck. For the 34-year old, it is uncertain what he will bring to the table in cold, wet Philadelphia. But one thing that is known is that he historical does well against the Phillies. Last season, Kuroda won the only game for the Dodgers in the NLCS. Kuroda will need to command his off speed pitches and breaking balls in order to keep the Phillies off balance.

If Kuroda's track record continues, the Phillies could be in for a long night. Current Phillies are hitting .147 in 76 career plate appearances against him. Ryan Howard (.182 BA, 4 K) and Jayson Werth (.222 BA, 5 K) have struggled more than most in their lineup. However, one thing that Kuroda has not had to deal with previously is the playoff atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park. If the Phillies faithful sense fear, they will run with it. So it will be interesting to see if Kuroda's composure is as strong as his stuff against the Phillies.

Starting Pitcher: Cliff Lee, Phillies

The Phillies will look for their ace, Cliff Lee, to continue his remarkable playoff run. Lee dominated the Rockies in two games thus far, and is having a major impact on the postseason. The Dodgers will be ready for Lee, as they are not nearly as crippled against left-handed pitching as the Rockies were. The 31-year old will need to work both sides of the plate and command all of his pitches in order to have success. The lefty has shown an ability to pitch deep into games, and with the Phillies bullpen in disarray, they will no doubt look for Lee to eat as many innings as possible.

Lee did not face the Dodgers this season, but does have some experience against their hitters. Current Dodgers are hitting .259 in 97 lifetime plate appearances against Lee. However, most of those appearances were Manny Ramirez, who has a .429 batting average with a pair of homers. The key for Lee tonight will be to bust Manny inside with fastballs, which he hasn't proven he can hit yet. With a slightly modified lineup, the Dodgers will cluster their right-handed hitters together in the middle of the order. Lee doesn't have huge righty-lefty splits, so he needs only focus on getting out whatever hitter he is facing.

Starting Lineup: Los Angeles Dodgers

Statistics versus Cliff Lee

1. Rafael Furcal, SS (2/3, 1 HR, 0 K)
2. Ronnie Belliard, 2B (0/0, 0 HR, 0 K)

3. Andre Ethier, RF (0/3, 0 HR, 0 K)

4. Manny Ramirez, LF (6/14, 2 HR, 3 K)

5. Matt Kemp, CF (1/4, 0 HR, 1 K)

6. James Loney, 1B (0/3, 0 HR, 0 K)
7. Casey Blake, 3B (0/0, 0 HR, 2 K)

8 Russell Martin, C (0/1, 0 HR, 0 K)

Starting Lineup: Philadelphia Phillies

Statistics versus Hiroki Kuroda

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS (0/9, 0 HR, 2 K)

2. Shane Victorino, CF (0/8, 0 HR, 0 K)

3. Chase Utley, 2B (3/9, 0 HR, 1 K)

4. Ryan Howard, 1B (2/11, 0 HR, 4 K)

5. Jayson Werth, RF (2/9, 0 HR, 5 K)

6. Raul Ibanez, LF (0/2, 0 HR, 1 K)

7. Pedro Feliz, 3B (2/4, 0 HR, 0 K)

8. Carlos Ruiz, C (1/6, 0 HR, 0 K)

Phillies NLCS Previews
Overview, Rotations, Bullpens, Hitters

Game Previews: One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Game Recaps: One, Two, Three, Four, Five