Phillies Preview: September 15, 2009

Washington Nationals (50-93) at Philadelphia Phillies (82-60)
7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Garrett Mock, RHP (3-7, 5.75) v. Cliff Lee, LHP (13-11, 3.13)

Cliff Lee will make the start for the Phillies in the opener against the Nationals. In his last outing, against the Nationals no less, Lee was roughed up late but still earned the win. He has not been nearly as sharp in his last several starts and against a mediocre line up, he will try to get back on track. Lee will be opposed by Garrett Mock, whom the Phillies faced last week as well. The Phillies got to Mock early and over his last few starts, he has also been ineffective. Look for both pitchers to bounce back and keep this game a low scoring one.

For the Phillies, they are looking for the Cliff Lee that they first acquired him. Lee had been lights out for his first five starts, after which point he has been less than adequate. As they enter the playoff stretch, the Phillies will want to see Lee at his best. Cliff will get his opportunity to bounce back against a team that hit him hard last week. Lee has held the Nationals to a career batting average of .324 in 75 plate appearances. However, most of the damage against him the last time out was late in the game. With his high innings pitched, look for Lee's innings and pitch count to be cut back tonight, especially if he isn't sharp.

Garrett Mock will make another start against the Phillies in opposition of Lee. Mock has not been very good lately, despite starting out all right against the Phils. For their careers, current Phillies are hitting .283 off of Mock in 59 plate appearances. They will need to be patient with the righty, as he is capable of pitching well. The Phillies have never hit a home run off of Mock and it is very clear that the team plays much better when driving the ball out, so that will be an interesting statistic to watch.

The Phillies can extend their momentum and lead in the NL East tonight with a win. More important than winning is how they win. It seems like months since their last easy victory. If the offense starts to click and Cliff Lee gets back on track, coasting against the Nationals seems like a possibility. However, this is a team that is much better than their record may indicate, so the Phillies cannot take them too lightly tonight.