Phillies Preview: September 13, 2009 - Game 2

New York Mets (63-80) at Philadelphia Phillies (81-60)
8:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Tim Redding, RHP (2-5, 5.78) v. Pedro Martinez, RHP (4-0, 3.64)

The finale of the rivalry series will be a night game on national television and the second of the day-night double header. Tim Redding will make the start against the Phillies, after bouncing between the bullpen and rotation this season. He will be challenged by Pedro Martinez, who will get another start against his former ball club. Martinez has continued to pick up momentum and has looked better in each start with the Phillies. The Phils will need to be patient in this game and look for another solid performance from Pedro.

After a big win in game one, Pedro will look to continue the Phillies' success today and lead the team to a double header sweep of the Mets. Martinez has been superb as a Phillie this year, as the team has won all six of his starts. In his career against his former team, he has allowed a .266 batting average in 144 plate appearances. Six of those encounters have resulted in a home run so it will be important for Pedro to keep the ball in the yard tonight. If he is able to work both sides of the plate and play his off-speed pitches off of his fastball, then he should be able to provide a quality start for the Phillies.

Tim Redding will take the ball for the Mets in their final game against the Phillies this year. Redding has had a pretty awful season, which has included time in the bullpen, the rotation, and the minors. The Mets were on the verge of releasing Redding earlier this year, but due to their massive injury problems, they have retained him. However, Redding always pitches well against the Phillies. In 235 career plate appearances, current Phillies are hitting a measly .210 against him. The Phillies will need to find a way to attack Redding and get some runs on the board.

Tonight's game is of utmost importance to the Phillies. With a win, they will win the series against the Mets and move to 22 games over .500. In addition, a win will formally eliminate the Mets from the division race and lower the Phillies' magic number to 14. The Phillies can take some momentum into the upcoming week and inch closer to the best record in the National League, to ensure home-field advantage in the playoffs.