Phillies Preview: Marlins Series 9/22 - 9/23

Philadelphia Phillies (87-61) at Florida Marlins (80-70)

September 22 - September 23

As the end of the season approaches, every game matters. Division games are magnified in importance, which will make the Philadelphia Phillies' series in Florida this week a huge one. The Phillies ride into town riding high, winners of eight of their last 10 games. They have their magic number down to six and will look to put the dagger through the Florida Marlins' hearts for 2009. However, nothing is ever easy, as the Marlins will toss some strong pitching against the Phils and try to stave off elimination for at least another week. A good showing by the Phillies, though, will place them at the doorstep of their third consecutive NL East crown.

September 22, 2009 - Game One

4:10pm - Land Shark Stadium, Miami, FL

Joe Blanton, RHP (10-7, 3.97) v. Josh Johnson, RHP (15-4, 3.01)

In the first game of a back-to-back double header, the Phillies will send steady Joe Blanton to the mound to take on Josh Johnson of the Marlins. Blanton has been consistent this season, and will need another strong performance against the Fish. They will counter with their ace, Johnson, who was been dominant all season, including against the Phillies. This will be a tough test, right off the bat for the Phillies, as the two teams play on the field less than 24 hours after the Monday Night Football game.

Pitching Primer: Joe Blanton

2009 Road Splits: (3-4) 13 G, 77.2 IP, 4.52 ERA, 63 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (1-0) 1 G, 5.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 9 K

Career vs. Marlins Hitters: 121 PA, .257 BA, 3 HR, 28 K

Pitching Primer: Josh Johnson

2009 Home Splits: (7-2) 15 G, 99.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 98 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (16-8) 43 G, 239.2 ERA, 3.45 ERA, 227 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 144 PA, .248 BA, 3 HR, 26 K

September 22, 2009 - Game Two

TBD - Land Shark Stadium, Miami FL

Jamie Moyer, LHP (12-9, 5.05) v. Anibal Sanchez, RHP (2-7, 4.50)

The second game of this double-header will take place immediately following the first. Both teams will need to keep their bullpens in tact, with the starting pitching situation much less certain for this game. The Phillies will put Jamie Moyer on the hill to make another spot start. In his recent action, Moyer has been much more effective lately. He will take on the wild and inconsistent Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez is the owner of a career no-hitter, but has struggled to find a groove in the big leagues since then. The Phillies will need to bring a lot of energy to the back-end of this twin billing.

Pitching Primer: Jamie Moyer

2009 Road Splits: (6-2) 12 G, 67.0 IP, 3.76 ERA, 43 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (8-0) 8 G, 52.2 IP, 1.37 ERA, 30 K

Career vs. Marlins Hitters: 294 PA, .249 BA, 8 HR, 48 K

Pitching Primer: Anibal Sanchez

2009 Home Splits: (0-3) 6 G, 26.0 IP, 4.15 ERA, 21 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (10-6) 23 G, 129.0 IP, 3.49 ERA, 106 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 77 PA, .328 BA, 2 HR, 14 K

September 23, 2009

7:10pm - Land Shark Stadium, Miami, FL

Cole Hamels, LHP (10-9, 4.07) v. Rick VandenHurk, RHP (2-2, 4.24)

Cole Hamels gets the start for the Phillies in the finale of the three game set with the Marlins. He will be opposed by the Marlins' Rick VandenHurk, the righty. Hamels has started to really turn it on of late, and will try to continue his success as the Phillies move closer to the post season. VandenHurk is a young righty who's been mediocre thus far, but will try to give the Marlins a chance against the Phils. This game will be on national television on ESPN and represents the earliest mathematical date that the Phillies can clinch the division. However, a lot has to happen before they can celebrate a division title.

Pitching Primer: Cole Hamels

2009 Road Splits: (3-6) 14 G, 81.1 IP, 4.98 ERA, 61 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (0-2) 5 G, 31.0 IP, 3.48 ERA, 36 K

Career vs. Marlins Hitters: 204 PA, .231 BA, 9 HR, 52 K

Pitching Primer: Rick VandenHurk

2009 Home Splits: (1-1) 4 G, 21.2 IP, 4.98 ERA, 25 K

Career at Land Shark Stadium: (3-5) 16 G, 72.2 IP, 5.94 ERA, 85 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 28 PA, .250 BA, 1 HR, 6 K