Phillies Preview: August 6, 2009

Colorado Rockies (59-48) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-45)

1:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Aaron Cook, RHP (10-3, 3.88) v. Cliff Lee, LHP (8-9, 3.02)

The finale of the Rockies' series will be a day game and the home debut of newly acquired lefty, Cliff Lee. After Lee's complete game effort against the Giants last weekend, he is sure to receive a warm welcome at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils and Rockies have split the first two games of the series and will face off this afternoon in the rubber match.

Cliff Lee will look to build on a promising first start with the Phillies, in which he tossed a complete game. On the season, the big left-hander is 8-9 with a lean 3.02 ERA. Current position player Rockies have never faced Lee and only Jason Marquis has two plate appearances against him. Considering how the Rockies fared last night against Happ, another lefty they had limited at-bats against, Lee might be in line for success. However, he will need to keep the ball down on a steamy, humid day in Philly.

On the flip side, Aaron Cook has plenty of experience against the Phillies. Over his eight year career with the Rockies, Cook has been tormented by the Phillies, posting a 1-4 record and an ERA of 5.91. Current Phils are batting .315 against Cook in 132 plate appearances. They are led by Ryan Howard, who has a .368 average and 10 RBI against the righty. Cook will need to be clever today in order to keep the Phillies offense from exploding again.

After a bad loss in the series opener, the Phillies bounced back in a big way. Now, with their co-ace on the mound, they are poised for a series win. With the Marlins scuffling, the Phillies aim to rebuild their lead in the NL East and gather some momentum before hosting the Fish this weekend. A strong showing from Lee and the offense should accomplish that.