Phillies Preview: Braves Series 8/14 - 8/16

Philadelphia Phillies (64-48) at Atlanta Braves (60-54)

Coming off of an important series sweep in Chicago, the Phillies will look to build on their road dominance as they open a three-game set with the NL East-chasing Braves. The Braves feature a pitching-dominant team and a legitimate threat to sneak up on the Phillies in the division. Equally as important as their games against the Marlins are the Phillies match-ups against the Braves. Thus far this season, the Phils have struggled, going just 2-7 against Atlanta. However, the Phillies offense is back to its slugging ways and the team has a chance to make a statement in this series.

August 14, 2009
7:30pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
Joe Blanton, RHP (7-6, 4.02) v. Jair Jurrjens, RHP (9-8, 3.01)

Joe Blanton is coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Marlins, 3-2 last Friday. He has had six days off to prepare for his next start against the Atlanta Braves, who are playing well right now. The Braves will send their young, star righty Jair Jurrjens to the mound in the opener of the series. This will be a match-up of solid right-handers in a pitcher's park, so we could be headed for a tight game. Blanton will need to have strong command in order to give the offense a chance to get the jump on Jurrjens in this one.

Pitching Primer: Joe Blanton

2009 Road Splits: 9 G, 54.0 IP, 3-3, 4.00 ERA, 45 K

Career at Turner Field: 1 G, 5.0 IP, 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 3 K

Career vs. Braves Hitters: 120 PA, .315 BA, 4 HR, 23 K

Pitching Primer: Jair Jurrjens

2009 Home Splits: 12 G, 73.0 IP, 5-5, 2.84 ERA, 56 K

Career at Turner Field: 28 G, 166.1 IP, 12-10, 3.52 ERA, 136 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 142 PA, .194 BA, 3 HR, 18 K

August 15, 2009
4:00pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
Cole Hamels, LHP (7-7, 4.77) v. Kenshin Kawakami, RHP (5-9, 4.12)

Cole Hamels has had one of the most frustrating seasons of his young career in 2009. He has a mediocre ERA and record, and he has not had great command or consistency all season. He will be matched up with the rookie righty of the Braves, Kenshin Kawakami. Kawakami has had a decent year for the Braves, despite his poor record. If Cole Hamels wants to get back on track for the stretch run, this is a great game to start with.

Pitching Primer: Cole Hamels

2009 Road Splits: 10 G, 56.1 IP, 3-4, 5.59 ERA, 40 K

Career at Turner Field: 6 G, 38.0 IP, 4-2, 4.26 ERA, 33 K

Career vs. Braves Hitters: 203 PA, .272 BA, 5 HR, 29 K

Pitching Primer: Kenshin Kawakami

2009 Home Splits: 10 G, 57.2 IP, 2-4, 3.28 ERA, 45 K

Career at Turner Field: 10 G, 57.2 IP, 2-4, 3.28 ERA, 45 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 25 PA, .227 BA, 0 HR, 5 K

August 16, 2009
8:00pm - Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
J.A. Happ, LHP (8-2, 2.75) v. Javier Vazquez, RHP (10-7, 2.90)

J.A. Happ has been downright filthy all season long. He pitched well in a no-decision his last time out against the Cubs. Now, he will be showcased on national television as the Phillies close their series with the Braves on ESPN. If Happ is to get his ninth win of the season, the task will not be easy as he will be opposed by Javier Vazquez. Vazquez, the strikeout-type pitcher, is quietly having a superb season for the Braves, with an excellent ERA. This get-away game will be a true test for the defending world champions.

Pitching Primer: J.A. Happ

2009 Road Splits: 13 G, 63.2 IP, 4-1, 1.84 ERA, 42 K

Career at Turner Field: 2 G, 13.0 IP, 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 7 K

Career vs. Braves Hitters: 60 PA, .151 BA, 1 HR, 9 K

Pitching Primer: Javier Vazquez

2009 Home Splits: 11 G, 73.1 IP, 3-5, 2.82 ERA, 86 K

Career at Turner Field: 22 G, 143.2 IP, 8-9, 3.13 ERA, 146 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 242 PA, .215 BA, 10 HR, 60 K