Nelson Figueroa, RHP (2-4, 4.74) v. Cole Hamels, LHP (8-9, 4.32)
The Friday night opener of this four game series will feature Cole Hamels and former Phillie Nelson Figueroa. Hamels has had an up-and-down season, showing flashes of ace material and moments of mediocrity. Figueroa, on the flip side, wasn't expected to even be in the big leagues this year, but due to the drastic rotation troubles for the Mets, he has become a fixture in their late season roster. With the weather cooling off in Philly, this game will hinge on each team's ability to play small ball.
Cole Hamels has been a big question mark for the Phillies for most of the season. After appearing to get back on track in late August, his last start was again rocky. Hamels must use his curveball well against patient Mets hitters. They are hitting a combined .299 in 166 career plate appearances. Lifetime, Hamels has not fared well against the Mets, as he has only one win in seven appearances. It will be important for the Phillies to support him and help him to keep his pitch count down.
The Mets will send Nelson Figueroa to the mound to face off with Hamels. After being in the minors for most of the season, Figueroa has been given the chance to finish the season with the big league team. He will need to be on top of his game against a Phillies offense that returns home with a spark. Lifetime against the Phillies, Figueroa has held hitters to a .321 batting average in 34 plate appearances. The key for him will be to work both sides of the plate with his fastball and build off of that with off-speed pitches.
For the Phillies, the return home marks the start of an important home stand against their rivals. Despite the fact that the Mets are no longer in the playoff hunt, they will certainly be out to ruin the Phillies' plans. The Phillies must dig deep and come up with some timely hits behind their ace, Hamels in order to start the series off right.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment