Phillies Preview: September 26, 2009

Philadephia Phillies (89-64) at Milwaukee Brewers (76-78)
7:05pm - Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

Kyle Kendrick, RHP (2-1, 2.70) v. Braden Looper, RHP (13-7, 5.12)

With the Phillies not wanting to risk Pedro Martinez's health at this point in the season, Kyle Kendrick will make another spot start. Thus far as a starter down the stretch, Kendrick has pitched extremely well, in clutch situations. The Phillies will look for another quality outing from the young right in Milwaukee. Braden Looper, the veteran righty will face off with the Phillies and Kendrick. Looper, the one-time reliever, is having an average season, despite a good record. He has the highest run support in the National League, and the Phillies will need to get to him early, before he can pitch with a lead.

After a tough loss last night, the Phillies will look to Kyle Kendrick to right the ship. They have the right man for the job, as Kendrick has excelled this season as a starter down the stretch. Kendrick has average numbers against the Brewers, allowing a .333 batting average against in 36 lifetime plate appearances. Kendrick will need to work ahead of the Brew Crew and keep them off the bases as much as possible.

The Brewers will send their struggling righty Braden Looper to the mound. Looper, a former closer, has been a starter for the last several seasons. However, the veteran is really struggling this year, with an ERA north of five. In his career, Looper has been solid against the Phillies, with current Phils batting just .237 in 130 plate appearances against him. They will want to be patient with Looper, who does not have overpowering stuff. If they can get some runs on the board for Kendrick, they will be in good shape to rebound.

A night after the Brewers jumped all over the Phillies, the Phils need to bounce right back against them. With Kyle Kendrick on the mound, they will want to support him early and often. Meanwhile, the Phillies cannot spend time scoreboard watching, as they control their own destiny. Four more wins gets them into the post season again, so they need to focus and get one of those wins tonight.