Phillies Preview: September 7, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies (77-57) at Houston Astros (66-70)
2:05pm - Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX

J.A. Happ, LHP (10-4, 2.77) v. Brian Moehler, RHP (8-10, 5.11)

The series will wrap up with an afternoon game featuring Jay Happ and Brian Moehler. After getting off to a great start this season, Happ has run into trouble in his last two starts, where he has picked up two tough losses. He will be opposed by Brian Moehler, who has been an inning-eater this season with a relatively high ERA. The Phillies will look to salvage the series in the finale, behind Happ.

With the strong start behind him, Happ is starting to get a track record around the league. He has reached the pivitol point in his development where he needs to adjust to what hitters are doing against him. He will have a chance for a fresh start against a team that features no career plate appearances against him. In order for Happ to be effective, especially against the righties of Houston, he needs to command his fastball and elevate it purposefully.

Brian Moehler, the journeyman right hander, will oppose the Phillies. Moehler is a typical inning-eating soft tosser that gets by with craftiness rather than power. Despite his high ERA this season, Moehler is capable of being highly effective. The Phillies have hit him pretty hard in his career, though, and will look for more of the same on Monday. In 153 plate appearances, current Phillies are batting .317 with seven homers.

After a terrible start to their road trip, the Phillies are looking for Happ to be their stopper once again. Meanwhile, Charlie Manuel will look for offensive answers, as their high-powered hitting has been uncharacteristically average lately. The Phils have 28 games left this season, and they need to turn it around now, to close out the season strong.