San Francisco Giants (72-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-53)
7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
The second game of the three game set will feature a candidate and a Rookie of the Year candidate and a crafty veteran. Newly acquired Brad Penny will take the ball for the Giants and oppose Happ. He is a solid righty, with good but not electric stuff. Jay Happ still has the tough task of facing him. However, Happ is putting together a very solid season of his own, but the Phillies will need to find a way to support him if they are to take the first two from the Giants.
Jay Happ has been everything the Phillies could have wanted and more, this season. He has been their stopper and one of the most consistent starters all season long. Tonight's game will arguably be his toughest match up to date, so he will need to have his A-game on. Happ has a good record but mediocre 3.77 ERA at the Bank, so it will be important for him to get ahead of the Giants hitters. He has never faced a batter on the Giants roster, so his deceptive fastball should be useful if he can command it.
For Brad Penny, this marks his return to the National League after a stint this season with the Boston Red Sox. Penny is a big right-hander who relies on command at this stage in his career. He has solid numbers against current Phillies, as he has held them to a .195 record over 186 career plate appearances. In the small ball park tonight, Penny will need to keep the ball down to the Phillies, especially their power lefties, if he wants a chance to win.
After playing a solid game and winning a tight game on Tuesday, the Phillies can make a real statement by defeating one of the best pitchers in the game tonight. The weather will be fair and Penny does not surrender many long balls, or much of anything to be honest. Thus, the Phillies will need their offense to wear out Penny and get some support for Happ as early and often as possible.
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