Phillies Preview: September 30, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies 10, Houston Astros 3

W - Kendrick (3-1), L - Moehler (8-12), Phillies Clinch NL East

Pedro Martinez was not sharp tonight but he battled his way through the early part of the game and kept the Phillies close. Slowly but surely, the Phillies offense broke through against Brian Moehler and the Astros. After falling behind early, by a score of 3-1, the Phillies continued to just score and put up nine unanswered runs. They pieced together the bullpen to record their 92nd win of the season, by a final of 10-3. With the win, the Philadelphia Phillies clinched the 2009 NL East title.

The Phillies were hoping for more from Pedro tonight. But to his credit, he got through four innings and limited the damage, despite not having very good stuff at all. He was lifted early for a pinch hitter and did not qualify for the win. On the night, he allowed three earned runs on six hits and a walk, but it could have been much worse. Kyle Kendrick came in for three scoreless innings of great relief, and picked up his third win of the season. In a classy move, Charlie Manuel brought in Brad Lidge to record the final out of the game.

For the Astros, it was the same old story for Brian Moehler as he started to fall apart in the middle innings. The Phillies began to hit the ball very hard for extra base hits and scored four times in a big fourth inning that put them ahead for good. Moehler allowed seven earned runs on six hits over 4.1 innings pitched. The Astros bullpen allowed the rest, as seven different Phillies had RBIs and they did not rely on the long ball too heavily. Raul Ibanez did hit his career high 34th homer of the year.

So the Philadelphia Phillies will retain their title as the National League East Champions for the third straight season. It was a great win for the Phillies, who would have clinched anyway because the Braves have lost. However, it now gives the Phillies four extra days to rest, work their rotation into place, and aim for the best record in the National League. The Cardinals had already lost, giving the Phillies a two game lead ahead of the Central champs. And the Dodgers entered play later, with just a one game lead over the Phillies. The Phillies are headed to the playoffs again!

Phillies Recap: September 26, 2009

Milwaukee Brewers 7, Philadelphia Phillies 5

W - Hoffman (2-2), L - Walker (2-1)

The Phillies jumped all over Braden Looper and the Brewers and took a 4-0 lead in support of Kyle Kendrick. However, the team just couldn't hold the lead and allowed the Brewers to claw their way back into the game. With the game tied going into the ninth, the Brew Crew won the game on a walk-off home run by Ryan Braun. The final score was 7-5 in a game that the Phillies really should have won.

Sloppy defense and a shaky start by Kyle Kendrick did not help to preserve the Phillies' early lead. Kendrick started off strong but quickly began to fall apart, allowing base hits and walks. In four innings, Kendrick allowed two runs on six hits and a pair of walks. He fanned four but was lifted early as he never really looked in control of the game. Jamie Moyer came on and gave the Phillies four solid innings of relief, but was the victim of some poor defense that allowed the game to be tied late. The Phillies bullpen then allowed the walk-off home run to Braun.

Braden Looper was not especially good and the Phillies touched him up for four early runs. However, he did seem to settle in and held the Brewers close for six innings. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits and walk, while striking out five. The Brewers' bullpen again came in and shut down the Phillies offense for the final three innings. Ryan Howard did hit his 43rd homer of the season in the losing effort.

In a game that featured five errors and poor play from both sides, the Phillies can only blame themselves for this loss. They built an early lead that they couldn't hold on to and failed to add much to their lead late in the game. The tandem of Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer did fairly well, but got little help from the rest of the team. That led to the dramatic finish, which leaves the Phillies' magic number at four with eight games left to play.

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.

Phillies Preview: Brewers Series 9/24 - 9/27

Philadephia Phillies (88-63) at Milwaukee Brewers (75-77)
September 24 - September 27

The Philadelphia Phillies will conclude their long road trip with a four game series in Milwaukee against the Brewers. The Phillies will play their final regular season road games this weekend and look to move closer to clinching their third straight division title. Meanwhile, the Brewers are out of the playoff race and will try to play spoilers, a year after they reached the post season. It will be an interesting series, as the Phillies can technically clinch the NL East as early as Saturday.

September 24, 2009

8:05pm - Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

J.A. Happ, LHP (10-4, 2.77) v. Jeff Suppan, RHP (7-10, 4.76)

The opener of the four game set will mark the second game back in the starting rotation for Jay Happ. Happ was lifted early from his last start as a precautionary measure, after he missed over two weeks with an oblique injury. Happ will look to continue his stellar rookie campaign against Jeff Suppan of the Brewers. Suppan has had a mediocre season, with rather average numbers to show for it. The Phillies will want to jump on him early and give Happ a cushion.

Pitching Primer: J.A. Happ - n/a

Pitching Primer: Jeff Suppan - n/a

September 25, 2009

8:05pm - Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

Cliff Lee, LHP (7-2, 2.65) v. Manny Parra, RHP (10-10, 6.42)

The Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound against the Brewers' Manny Parra in the second game of the series. Lee is in the midst of an inconsistent stretch for the Phillies and will look to get back in his groove against Milwaukee. Parra will oppose Lee and is a solid pitcher in the middle of a terrible season. Despite racking up ten wins, Parra has a very high ERA and has struggled of late. However, he is still fully capable of dominating an opponent. The Phillies will need Cliff Lee to be strong in this game, and carry them to another victory.

Pitching Primer: Cliff Lee - n/a

Pitching Primer: Manny Parra - n/a

September 26, 2009

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.

Pitching Primer: Kyle Kendrick

2009 Road Splits: (1-0) 2 G, 6.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 K

Career at Miller Park: (0-1) 1 G, 7.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, 2 K

Career vs. Brewers Hitters: 36 PA, .333 BA, 0 HR, 3 K

Pitching Primer: Braden Looper

2009 Home Splits: (4-4) 17 G, 100.1 IP, 5.02 ERA, 59 K

Career at Miller Park: (4-8) 29 G, 126.0 IP, 5.43 ERA, 69 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 130 PA, .237 BA, 7 HR, 20 K

September 27, 2009

2:05pm - Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

Joe Blanton, RHP (11-7, 3.82) v. Dave Bush, RHP (5-8, 6.22)

The finale of the four game set will feature Joe Blanton of the Phillies and Dave Bush of the Brewers. Blanton has been the Phillies most consistent starter and always gives them a chance to win. He has been especially good lately and if the Phillies can get him a lead, he should go deep into the game. Dave Bush, the struggling righty, will toe the rubber for the Brewers. Despite having a poor record and stats this season, Bush always seems to give the Phillies trouble. Earlier this season, Bush nearly no-hit the Phillies, so they cannot take this opponent lightly.

Pitching Primer: Joe Blanton

2009 Road Splits: (4-4) 18 G, 84.2 IP, 4.15 ERA, 72 K

Career at Miller Park: n/a

Career vs. Brewers Hitters: 80 PA, .333 BA, 3 HR, 10 K

Pitching Primer: Dave Bush

2009 Home Splits: (1-4) 10 G, 54.1 IP, 5.63 ERA, 46 K

Career at Miller Park: (24-18) 60 G, 373.1 IP, 4.03 ERA, 275 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 165 PA, .243 BA, 9 HR, 27 K

Phillies Recap: September 18, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies 9, Atlanta Braves 4

W - Kendrick (2-1), L - Hudson (1-1)

The Phillies battled injuries and a tough Braves team to find a way to win their 86th game of the season. Jay Happ went three innings before being lifted as a precautionary measure. Kyle Kendrick came on in long relief and really helped the Phillies' bullpen. Carlos Ruiz also suffered a sprained wrist on a play at the plate. For the Braves, Tim Hudson was solid but was hurt by his nemesis, Ryan Howard's two homers. When all the scoring was done, the Phillies found themselves on the right side of a 9-4 decision.

Happ came back and showed signs of his mid-season form, but struggled with his command at times. In his three innings, he allowed just a solo homer and scattered five hits in all. The real story for the pitching, though, was Kyle Kendrick who came in for long relief and delivered four blank innings. It was another promising performance for the once-outed right-hander. The Phillies bullpen was mostly saved and finished off the game, once it was out of reach.

On offense, the story tonight was the long ball. Ryan Howard punished Tim Hudson once again with another pair of homers off the righty. Hudson went seven solid innings, though, allowing three earned runs on six hits and a walk. However, once the Phillies got into the Braves' pen, they unleashed their offense. Jimmy Rollins delivered the keynote with a three-run shot in the ninth that put the game out of reach for good. Ben Francisco put in a solid night's work with three hits including a homer of his own.

This was a bittersweet win for the Phillies. It was an important one in the standings, but costly for the roster. It is unclear the extent of the injuries to Happ and Ruiz, but both situations are certainly concerning. The catching depth on the Phillies' roster is minimal, so if Ruiz is out for an extended period of time, the Phils will be essentially crippled at that position. For now, the Phillies can take some pleasure in their win, as they move to 26 games over .500 and drop their magic number to eight.

Phillies Recap: September 13, 2009 - Game 1

Philadelphia Phillies 5, New York Mets 4

W - Kendrick (1-1), L - Maine (5-5), S - Lidge (29)

The Philadelphia Phillies got everything they could have wanted from Kyle Kendrick and more. Kendrick pitched deep into the game and the Phillies offense tacked on to an early lead against John Maine of the Mets. Brad Lidge returned as the closer and didn't make things easier, but finished the job in what was a 5-4 win for the Phillies over the Mets.

Kyle Kendrick hadn't started a game since the middle of 2008, but he looked sharp all day. Early on, Kendrick dominated Mets hitters and kept them off balance. It felt like he worked ahead of every hitter. The Mets rarely threatened and Kendrick pitched into the eighth inning. He allowed a two-run homer in the eighth and left to a standing ovation from the crowd. Kendrick went 7.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk. He fanned three and threw 106 pitches overall. Brad Lidge came in and allowed two runs but struck out a pair to record his 29th save of the season.

John Maine returned and only went three innings for the Mets. However, the Phillies tagged him for a run early. After Maine left, allowing the one run on a pair of hits and a walk, the Phillies got to the Mets' bullpen with a couple of long balls. Shane Victorino's two-out two-run shot in the fifth gave the Phillies a decent cushion that they road to the victory. In the eighth inning, the Phils responded to the two runs allowed to tack on another, important run, which proved to be the difference in the game.

This was a huge win for the Phillies. Though the bullpen situation is still very much uncertain, the Phillies have found a way to win. They take a huge step forward and showed a lot of heart in this game and the ball park was electric. Going into tonight's game, this win will help alleviate some of the pressure. With a win tonight, the Phillies can lower their magic number to 14 and eliminate the Mets from division contention.

Phillies Preview: September 13, 2009 - Game 1

New York Mets (63-79) at Philadelphia Phillies (80-60)
1:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

John Maine, RHP (5-4, 4.52) v. Kyle Kendrick, RHP (0-1, 5.06)

The third game of the series will series will also be the first of a day-night double header in Philadelphia, as the two teams make up a game that was rained out earlier this season. John Maine will get the nod for the Mets. Maine has missed a substantial portion of the season on the disabled list. The Phillies will counter with the outcast Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick has spent most of the season in the minors, despite being a relatively effective starter in his first two seasons in the majors. He will try to give the Phillies a shot against the Mets and keep their bullpen in tact.

Kyle Kendrick will make his first start of 2009, after being in the starting rotation for most of the 2008 season. In a brief stint with the Phillies this year, Kendrick got knocked around. However, he will look to make a strong case for a second chance as a starter, either with the Phillies or another team. In his brief career against the Mets, he has allowed a .338 batting average against in 78 plate appearances. Kendrick will need to work ahead and limit base runners in this pivitol game against the Mets.

The Mets will welcome back their righty, John Maine, in the matinee. Maine has been injured often in the last three seasons and missed most of this year as well. However, he has fought his way back and will make a series of starts to finish off the 2009 season, starting with this afternoon against the Phillies. Maine has decent numbers against current Phillies, as they are batting just .256 in 145 lifetime plate appearances. It will be interesting to see what Maine brings to the table, but the Phils must be patient against him.

After losing a heart-breaker yesterday, the Phillies need to bounce back in a big way. In the first of two games to be played today, the Phillies can set the tone behind Kyle Kendrick. They will look to score early and often to save the bullpen as much as possible. However, this will be a challenge, as it is unclear what to expect from the Mets' Maine. The name of the game for the Phillies today is to find a way to win.

Phillies Preview: Mets Series 9/11 - 9/13

New York Mets (62-78) at Philadelphia Phillies (79-59)

September 11 - September 13

The Philadelphia Phillies will play host to the New York Mets in the teams' final rivalry match up of 2009. Before the season began, this appeared to be a critical series on paper. However, the Mets have been all but eliminated from playoff contention due to a slew of injuries. Nevertheless, they are a dangerous threat to the Phillies, who have seemed to lose their swagger ever since their magic number dipped into the 20s. This will be an interesting series, as on paper, the Phillies should take three of four games. But, it will not be easy.

September 11, 2009

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

Nelson Figueroa, RHP (2-4, 4.74) v. Cole Hamels, LHP (8-9, 4.32)

The Friday night opener of this four game series will feature Cole Hamels and former Phillie Nelson Figueroa. Hamels has had an up-and-down season, showing flashes of ace material and moments of mediocrity. Figueroa, on the flip side, wasn't expected to even be in the big leagues this year, but due to the drastic rotation troubles for the Mets, he has become a fixture in their late season roster. With the weather cooling off in Philly, this game will hinge on each team's ability to play small ball.

Pitching Primer: Nelson Figueroa

2009 Road Splits: (1-1) 3 G, 13.2 IP, 1.32 ERA, 16 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: n/a

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 34 PA, .321 BA, 0 HR, 4 K

Pitching Primer: Cole Hamels

2009 Home Splits: (5-3) 13 G, 81.0 IP, 3.67 ERA, 80 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (25-15) 52 G, 340.2 IP, 3.38 ERA, 315 K

Career vs. Mets Hitters: 166 PA, .299 BA, 5 HR, 32 K

September 12, 2009

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

Mike Pelfrey, RHP (10-10, 4.83) v. Jamie Moyer, LHP (12-9, 4.98)

The Phillies and Mets will meet again on national television on Saturday afternoon in the second game of the series. Mike Pelfrey, the Mets' righty will be opposed by Phillies veteran Jamie Moyer. Moyer had been supplanted in the rotation by Pedro Martinez, but now due to an injury, will return as a spot-starter. Moyer has looked very good since the move, though, and will look to assert himself against the Mets. This will be an interesting match up, as the Mets have hit Moyer in the past and Pelfrey has looked decent against the Phils' lineup.

Pitching Primer: Mike Pelfrey

2009 Road Splits: (4-7) 12 G, 67.1 IP, 6.55 ERA, 37 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (1-1) 3 G, 15.1 IP, 5.28 ERA, 5 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 167 PA, .242 BA, 5 HR, 19 K

Pitching Primer: Jamie Moyer

2009 Home Splits: (6-7) 14 G, 75.2 IP, 6.07 ERA, 42 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (22-15) 48 G, 277.1 IP, 170 K

Career vs. Mets Hitters: 288 PA, .315 BA, 10 HR, 25 K

September 13, 2009 - Game One

1:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Tim Redding, RHP (2-5, 5.78) v. Kyle Kendrick, RHP (0-1, 5.06)

The third game of the series will series will also be the first of a day-night double header in Philadelphia, as the two teams make up a game that was rained out earlier this season. Tim Redding will get the nod for the Mets. Redding was nearly released earlier this season and has bounced between the rotation and the bullpen. The Phillies will counter with the outcast Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick has spent most of the season in the minors, despite being a relatively effective starter in his first two seasons in the majors. He will try to give the Phillies a shot against the Mets and keep their bullpen in tact.

Pitching Primer: Tim Redding

2009 Road Splits: (1-2) 12 G, 47.1 IP, 5.13 ERA, 31 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (1-1) 3 G, 18.0 IP, 2.00 ERA, 10 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 235 PA, .210 BA, 5 HR, 40 K

Pitching Primer: Kyle Kendrick

2009 Home Splits: (0-1) 3 G, 3.1 IP, 8.10 ERA, 0 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (12-6) 29 G, 146.1 IP, 4.31 ERA, 67 K

Career vs. Mets Hitters: 78 PA, .338 BA, 1 HR, 6 K

September 13, 2009 - Game Two

8:05pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

John Maine, RHP (5-4, 4.52) v. Pedro Martinez, RHP (4-0, 3.64)

The finale of the rivalry series will be a night game on national television and the second of the day-night double header. John Maine, the Mets' oft-injured righty will make his return with a start against the Phillies. He will be challenged by Pedro Martinez, who will get another start against his former ball club. Martinez has continued to pick up momentum and has looked better in each start with the Phillies. The Phils will need to be patient in this game and look for another solid performance from Pedro.

Pitching Primer: John Maine

2009: Road Splits: (1-3) 6 G, 32.2 IP, 6.34 ERA, 20 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (2-0) 3 G, 19.2 IP, 2.75 ERA, 15 K

Career vs. Phillies Hitters: 145 PA, .256 BA, 5 HR, 19 K

Pitching Primer: Pedro Martinez

2009 Home Splits: (1-0) 3 G, 12.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 13 K

Career at Citizens Bank Park: (2-1) 7 G, 30.1 IP, 5.34 ERA, 38 K

Career vs. Mets Hitters: 144 PA, .266 BA, 6 HR, 20 K