Phillies Preview: September 1, 2009

San Francisco Giants (72-59) at Philadelphia Phillies (75-53)
7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Cole Hamels, LHP (7-8, 4.52) v. Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (6-10, 4.27)

The Phillies will open September with their ace on the mound. Cole Hamels will look to continue the success he had in his last start against the Pirates. Despite not getting a decision, Hamels looked as good as he has in several months. He will be opposed by another southpaw in Jonathan Sanchez. Sanchez has had an inconsistent season, but has looked much better since throwing a no-hitter earlier this year. He beat the Phillies earlier this season in San Francisco.

Cole Hamels is coming off his best performance in the second half, as he shut out the Pirates over eight innings. He will look to continue this at home, in front of a packed crowd, a place where he has always excelled. The good news is that Hamels has had great success against current Giants hitters. They are lifetime batting .207 over 88 plate appearances and have never homered off of Hamels. If Hamels can keep this track record in order, he should have great success against the light hitting San Francisco lineup.

The Phillies will face off with Jonathan Sanchez of the Giants. Sanchez, best known for throwing a no-hitter earlier this season, has been pitching better of late. He also features a dramatic lefty delivery that can cause the left-handed-heavy Phils lineup fits. Chase Utley did take Sanchez deep in their last meeting, but over their career, current Phillies are hitting just .180 in 58 plate appearances. They will need to be patient with this southpaw tonight, who has a tendency of being wild at times.

Tonight will set the tone for a playoff preview series. The Phillies previously dropped three of four in San Francisco, so a win tonight will help in the standings and in the confidence department. Also, Cole Hamels can build on his strong performance and prepare himself for a dominant stretch-run yet again. Needless to say, this evening's game is very important.