5/8-5/10: Braves @ Phillies Series Preview

Written by: David Lee on 8th May 2009

5/8-5/10: Braves @ Phillies Series Preview | read this item

After getting back on track in Florida, the Braves continue their road trip with a three-day visit to Philadelphia.

The Braves took two from the Marlins to begin their road trip, winning by two runs in both games. The offense broke out with eight runs in the first game, knocking prospect Graham Taylor out early. Jair Jurrjens pitched seven solid innings and Casey Kotchman had a big day in the second game, leading to a 4-2 win. The Braves sit two games out of first at 13-15.

The Phillies are coming off two straight losses to the Mets. Johan Santana dominated the Phillies for a 1-0 Mets win in the first game. The Mets went deep three times in route to a 7-5 win in the second game. Despite this, the Phillies still sit in first by half a game over the Mets at 14-12.

(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
5/8 – 7:05
Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 5.00…0-2, 6.94 in 3 starts, 5 total games)
vs.
Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.27…6-3, 3.45 in 11 starts)

At first look, this matchup appears to be one-sided. However, Cole Hamels has not been himself this season. Other than one six inning start, Hamels hasn’t lasted more than four and a third innings in any other outing. He hasn’t pitched in ten days due to an ankle injury. Jo-Jo Reyes allowed four runs in five and a third innings against the Astros in his last start.

5/9 – 3:40
Javier Vazquez (2-3, 4.19…10-7, 4.55 in 24 starts)
vs.
Joe Blanton (1-2, 6.84…0-0, 13.50 in 2 starts)

Javier Vazquez has more experience against the Phillies in his career than any other team, making 24 starts. Vazquez has struggled in his last two starts, combining to allow 11 runs in 14.2 innings. Joe Blanton allowed one run on four hits in six innings against the Cardinals in his last start. He gave up seven runs in four innings against the Braves on April 8th.

5/10 – 12:35
Kenshin Kawakami (1-4, 6.41)
vs.
Brett Myers (2-2, 5.35…4-9, 4.66 in 20 starts, 27 total games)

Kenshin Kawakami rebounded from a rough stretch to have his best start as a Brave on May 5th, allowing just two runs in five innings against the Mets. Kawakami looks to keep the momentum going as he makes his first career start against the Phillies. Brett Myers is coming off a five-run outing against the Cardinals and has yet to allow less than three runs in a start. He gave up four runs in six innings against the Braves back on April 5th.

Key Phillies Relievers:
CL – Brad Lidge (10.2 IP, 8 ER, 4 SV…29 IP, 16 ER, 12 SV)
SU – Ryan Madson (13.1 IP, 4 ER, 4 HLD…41.2 IP, 14 ER, 9 HLD)
MR – Chad Durbin (16.1 IP, 7 ER…14 IP, 2 ER, 2 HLD)

Key Phillies Hitters:
1B – Ryan Howard (.291, 6 HR, 22 RBI….337, 24 HR, 72 RBI in 69 games)
2B – Chase Utley (.318, 8 HR, 21 RBI….294, 11 HR, 52 RBI in 92 games)
LF – Raul Ibanez (.343, 8 HR, 22 RBI….333, 1 HR, 3 RBI in 6 games)

Phillies Injuries:
RP – Mike Zagurski (15-day, elbow surgery)

Notes:
- Brian McCann has been activated from the DL and is expected back in the lineup Friday night.
- Tom Glavine experienced another successful bullpen session. He will have another one sometime next week.

Topics: Braves, Phillies, Preview