Series Preview: @ Arizona Diamondbacks

PHI: 15-6, 1st in NL East; ARI: 8-12, 4th in NL West

When: April 25-27
Where: Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ)

Probable Pitchers
Monday: Cliff Lee (2-1, 3.91) vs Ian Kennedy (2-1, 5.64)
Tuesday: Roy Oswalt (3-0, 1.88) vs Daniel Hudson (0-4, 5.92)
Wednesday: Cole Hamels (2-1, 2.92) vs Joe Saunders (0-2, 4.98)

Broadcast Info
Monday, 9:40, CSN
Tuesday, 9:40, TCN
Wednesday, 3:40, TCN
All Games on 1210 AM

Player to Watch – SS Stephen Drew: Not gonna lie, you know your offense stinks when Stephen Drew is tied for your team lead in RBIs.

But Drew isn’t a terrible player. In fact, he’s very dangerous to get on base, posting a .344 average and .394 OBP in his first 16 games. His 14 RBIs is tied for a team high.

Overview: The Diamondbacks are heading into this series facing a very strong Phillies squad, who despite not scoring more than four runs in their last 13 games are 9-4 in that span and winners of five straight.

Arizona has some speed on the base paths with Drew, stolen base leader (7) Willie Bloomquist and Josh Upton. They also can get some good offense from outfielder Chris Young.

But with the potential for a decent offense showing looming, the potential to stave the Phillies offense any longer isn’t going to happen. The Phillies are about due for an all-out offensive display in Arizona, facing a team whose starter with the lowest ERA in this series is 4.98.

Raul Ibanez is one of those struggling Phillies, hitting an 0-for-19 dry spell that has dropped his average to a dismal .189. Carlos Ruiz isn’t doing well either as he’s seen his .357 average drop to .255 with his latest 0-for-16 run.

On another side note, tonight’s starter Cliff Lee has only faced the Diamondbacks once in his career, a complete game two-hitter with 11 strikeouts back in 2009.

Advertisement