7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Wilton Lopez, RHP (0-0, 8.44) v. J.A. Happ, LHP (11-4, 2.79)
The Phillies will call on Jay Happ for the second game of the series against Wilton Lopez of the Astros. Happ was strong in his last outing, and will look to gain some more momentum heading into the post season. Though his role for the Phillies will be uncertain, Happ and the Phillies will certainly be hoping for a solid start. The Astros will be sending Wilton Lopez, another youngster, to the hill to face off with Happ. Lopez has yet to record a decision this season, but has a very high ERA and has had little success thus far.
With a tough loss behind them, the Phillies need Jay Happ to step up and right their ship. He might be just the man to do it, as he has been one of their most consistent starters this year. Though his role for the Phillies in the playoffs is unclear at this point, he can make one more solid start before anything changes. Happ has never faced the Astros before and will need to command his fast ball, as usual to keep their solid lineup under control.
Happ will take on Wilton Lopez of the Astros. Lopez is another rookie pitcher with an inflated ERA. The Phillies will need to be more patient against Lopez and look for opportunities to tack on runs. The Phillies have never seen this right hander so it will be especially important for them to see a lot of pitches early on. With much of their lineup struggling, they need to start finding a rhythm soon, as the quality of opposing pitchers will start to improve drastically.
This game might be the critical one in the season for the Phillies. With a win, they will lower their magic number to two and turn themselves out of a 2-5 funk. A loss, however, will cause more concern and start to back the team into a corner. Clearly, the Phils will need a clutch start from Jay Happ and some offensive production early and often.
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