8:05pm - Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Cliff Lee, LHP (5-1, 1.80) v. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (12-9, 2.93)
The opener of the series will feature one of the better pitching match ups of the year as Cliff Lee takes on Wandy Rodriguez. Lee has been stellar since joining the Phillies, despite getting hit hard in his last outing. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has been the Astros' most consistent starter this season. The two lefties hold ERAs under 3.00 and will face off in what will likely be a low-scoring affair.
Cliff Lee will look to rebound from his worst start in a Phillies uniform. He will be making his first career start in Houston, though he has faced some of the Astros before. In 41 career plate appearances, current Astros hitters are batting .256. Carlos Lee, the heavy-hitting righty, will be the key for Cliff, who has two career homers against him. The rest of the lineup has limited experience against Cliff Lee, though they will be quite a challenge for the Phillies lefty. He will need to command all of his pitches and work ahead to be effective.
Facing off against the Phillies will be Wandy Rodriguez, who is having one of his best seasons as a professional. Rodriguez is very familiar with the Phillies, as he has faced him several times before. This season at home, he is almost un-hittable, with a 7-2 record and 1.73 ERA. The Phillies will look to change that, as they carry a lifetime .400 average against Rodriguez in 32 career plate appearances. With Ryan Howard red hot, Rodriguez will want to be careful with him, as he has surrendered a homer against him before.
Tonight is the kick off of a seven game road trip for the Phillies. With their co-ace on the mound, they will want to get off to a good start. The offense, which has only scored 27 runs in the last 10 games, needs to get back on track. Facing tough lefty Wandy Rodriguez, their work will be cut out for them tonight. But on the road, the Phillies are a Major League best 41-23 and can improve on that mark starting tonight.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment