Phillies Preview: Nationals Series 9/8 - 9/10

Philadelphia Phillies (77-58) at Washington Nationals (47-90)

The Phillies picked the wrong time of the season to start slumping. Nevertheless, they must get their act together with 27 games left in the season and their magic number hanging at 21. The rebound from a tough series against the Astros begins on Tuesday night, as they open a three game series against the Washington Nationals. Despite being the worst team in baseball, the Nationals still have the ability to defeat any team, so the Phils cannot take this series lightly.

September 8, 2009

7:05pm - Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Pedro Martinez, RHP (3-0, 3.52) v. John Lannan, LHP (8-10, 4.09)

Pedro Martinez will open the series for the Phillies against John Lannan of the Nationals. Martinez delivered the Phillies a brilliant performance his last time out, which was also the last time the Phillies won a ball game. He will look to duplicate that success against the Nats. Washington will counter with John Lannan, one of their best starters. He will look to keep the Phillies' offense reeling.

Pitching Primer: Pedro Martinez

2009 Road Splits: (2-0) 2 G, 11.0 IP, 5.73 ERA, 10 K

Career at Nationals Park: (0-1) 1 G, 6.0 IP, 6.00 ERA, 3 K

Career vs. Nationals Hitters: 92 PA, .226 BA, 1 HR, 30 K

Pitching Primer: John Lannan

2009 Home Splits: (5-1) 14 G, 92.2 IP, 2.62 ERA, 38 K

Career at Nationals Park: (9-10) 28 G, 170.1 IP, 3.65 ERA, 81 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 156 PA, .316 BA, 7 HR, 27 K

September 9, 2009

7:05pm - Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Cliff Lee, LHP (12-11, 3.06) v. Garrett Mock, RHP (3-7, 5.63)

After two poor outings in a row, Cliff Lee will look to rebound against the Washington Nationals. He has been hit hard lately and will need to improve his command in order to succeed. He will face off with Garrett Mock, the young righty for the Nats. Mock has had a rough season this year, but is still a very capable pitcher. The Phillies will need a strong performance from Lee and a patient approach at the plate.

Pitching Primer: Cliff Lee

2009 Road Splits: (7-4) 15 G, 104.0 IP, 3.12 ERA, 73 K

Career at Nationals Park: n/a

Career vs. Nationals Hitters: 43 PA, .324 BA, 1 HR, 9 K

Pitching Primer: Garrett Mock

2009 Home Splits: (1-6) 12 G, 31.0 IP, 6.97 ERA, 28 K

Career at Nationals Park: (2-8) 26 G, 55.0 IP, 6.05 ERA, 54 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 35 PA, .281 BA, 0 HR, 6 K

September 10, 2009

7:05pm - Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

TBD v. Livan Hernandez, RHP (7-10, 5.44)

The Phillies have yet to name a starter for the finale of their three game set in Washington. However, it could be Joe Blanton or Jay Happ. Whoever gets the start will be opposed by the journeyman righty, Livan Hernandez. The crafty veteran was recently reacquired by the Nationals and has a great deal of experience against the Phillies. The Phils will look to finish the road trip strong with a good showing against Hernandez and the Nats in the Thursday night game.

Pitching Primer: Livan Hernandez

2009 Home Splits: (2-5) 10 G, 59.2 IP, 5.58 ERA, 36 K

Career at Nationals Park: (3-1) 4 G, 25.0 IP, 5.04 ERA, 15 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 210 PA, .262 BA, 6 HR, 27 K