Phillies Preview: August 19, 2009

Arizona Diamondbacks (54-66) at Philadelphia Phillies (67-49)
7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Cliff Lee, LHP (10-9, 2.86) v. Dan Haren, RHP (12-7, 2.50)

After a solid win last night, the Phillies will look to continue their hot streak against the Diamondbacks. The middle game of the Diamondbacks series features two of the game's best arms. Dan Haren, a Cy Young candidate toes the rubber for Arizona against Philly's Cliff Lee, last year's Cy Young winner. The duo will face off in a challenging game for the Phillies. However, they beat the Diamondback's ace earlier this season in a close game.

Cliff Lee will need to again be sharp as he works against a formidable opponent in Dan Haren. In one home game this season, Lee worked effectively in seven innings, allowing only an earned run while whiffing nine. However, he has not faced the young Diamondback's lineup at all in his career, with the lone exception of Chris Synder, who has had three at bats against him. Facing a right-handed heavy lineup, Cliff Lee will want to keep the ball down and work ahead of the hitters as much as possible.

The Diamondbacks will send their ace, Dan Haren, to the mound. Haren has been dominant this season, with a minuscule 2.50 ERA. He has also faced current Phillies numerous times, holding them to a .198 career average in 119 plate appearances. Raul Ibanez does have decent numbers against Haren and also has the most appearances against the righty in his career. Shane Victorino also homered against Haren the last time the teams faced off. The key for Haren, as always, is his devastating split-finger fastball which creates a lot of ground ball outs.

Tonight the Phillies will face a playoff-caliber ace as the continue their quest towards another division title. They have had moderate success against Haren and will look to continue that tonight at home. While their opposition is tough, they are fortunate to have their own top of the rotation starter on the hill in Lee. Ultimately, this will be yet another important game for the Phillies, not only in the standings but also for their confidence level.