Phillies Preview: Marlins Series 10/2 - 10/4

Florida Marlins (85-74) at Philadelphia Phillies (92-67)

October 2 - October 4

With the season wrapping up, the Philadelphia Phillies will host the Florida Marlins for a three game series. With the Phillies having already clinched the NL East, they are now playing for the best record in the National League. However, expect to see a lot of subs as the Phillies get some rest for their regulars. The Marlins are playing for pride at this point, but would love to put a smudge on the Phillies' divisional crown heading into the playoffs. It should be an exciting series, regardless, with all three games being sold out.

October 2, 2009

7:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Rick VandenHurk, RHP (2-2, 4.44) v. Joe Blanton, RHP (12-7, 3.95)

Joe Blanton will take the hill in game one, in what will be his final tune up for the postseason. Coming off a tough start, Blanton will look to straighten himself out and prepare for whatever role the Phillies want him in. Most likely, Blanton will be the Phillies' third or fourth starter, so he may not pitch again for over a week. He will be opposed by the youngster, Rick VandenHurk. The Phillies faced VandenHurk the last time these teams met and got to him for some early runs.

Pitching Primer: Rick VandenHurk

2009 Road Splits: (1-1) 5 G, 25.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 17 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (0-2) 2 G, 6.1 IP, 12.79 ERA, 5 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 56 PA, .265 BA, 2 HR, 11 K

Pitching Primer: Joe Blanton

2009 Home Splits: (7-3) 15 G, 99.0 IP, 3.55 ERA, 84 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (9-3) 22 G, 137.0 IP, 3.55 ERA, 106 K

Career vs. Marlins Hitters: 147 PA, .227 BA, 3 HR, 37 K

October 3, 2009

4:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Anibal Sanchez, RHP (3-8, 4.10) v. Cole Hamels, LHP (10-10, 4.25)

The Phillies have tentatively penciled in Cole Hamels for Saturday's start against the Marlins. They may replace him if they expect him to pitch on Wednesday's playoff opener. However, he could potentially still pitch Thursday on normal rest. He will be opposed by Anibal Sanchez of the Marlins. Sanchez struggled his last time out but shut down the Phillies offense the last time they squared off. If Hamels does get the nod, this will be an exciting, pitcher's duel on National TV.

Pitching Primer: Anibal Sanchez

2009 Road Splits: (2-5) 8 G, 45.0 IP, 4.80 ERA, 40 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (0-3) 4 G, 16.0 IP, 10.69 ERA, 10 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 105 PA, .256 BA, 2 HR, 21 K

Pitching Primer: Cole Hamels
2009 Home Splits: (7-4) 16 G, 102.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 101 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (27-16) 55 G, 362.0 IP, 3.38 ERA, 336 K

Career vs. Marlins Hitters: 234 PA, .238 BA, 11 HR, 56 K

October 4, 2009

1:35pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Josh Johnson, RHP (15-5, 3.08) v. TBD

The Phillies have yet to announce a starter for Sunday's regular season finale against the Marlins. Whoever gets the start will be opposed by one of the best pitchers in the league, Josh Johnson. Johnson has tremendous ability, but was defeated by the Phillies the last time these teams matched up in Florida. With the Phillies looking to have one final tune up before the playoffs, they may elect to field a nearly-full team.

Pitching Primer: Josh Johnson

2009 Road Splits: (8-2) 16 G, 100.0 IP, 3.51 ERA, 78 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (3-0) 4 G, 21.0 IP, 0.86 ERA, 18 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 168 PA, .258 BA, 3 HR, 36 K