PHI: 14-18, 5th in NL East; SD: 11-21, 5th in NL West
When: May 11-13
Where: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia, PA)
Probable Pitchers
Friday: Vance Worley (2-2, 2.84) vs Clayton Richards (1-4, 4.89)
Saturday: Roy Halladay (3-2, 3.28) vs Edinson Volquez (1-2, 2.98)
Sunday: Cole Hamels (4-1, 2.45) vs Jeff Suppan (2-0, 0.90)
Broadcast Info
Friday, 7:05, CSN
Saturday, 7:05, CSN
Sunday, 1:35, PHL 17
All Games on 94.1 FM
Player to Watch – 3B Chase Headley: When the Padres offense comes to life, chances are third baseman Chase Headley has something to do with it. He’s the team leader, batting .257 with 16 RBIs and 4 home runs. He’s walked 23 times and struck out 33.
Series Overview: The Phillies and Padres have already met this season in San Deigo, splitting the four-game series, and the Padres outscoring the Phillies 12-8.
Both teams have a lot in common, sitting in last place in their respective divisions, sharing inconsistencies on offense and in the bullpen.
Starting pitching has been the bright spot for both teams. The Padres were projected to finish last in the NL West by many, but the Phillies have to make up ground in an NL East division that despite their slump is still very much in reach.
The Padres are 29th in the league in batting average (.220), in runs scored, and are fifth in the league in striking out as a team. Run support for their pitching staff will be the true test in this series.
The Phillies currently have the worst bullpen in the majors, with a 7.92 ERA and 39 earned runs allowed 17 appearances from April 21 to May 9th. The offense has been more consistent of late, scoring early runs to give their pitchers the advantage. From the 7th inning on, the Phillies have not been able to sustain a lead in the series. That is their test this series.
Clayton Richard will face the aggressive Vance Worley on Friday. Edinson Volquez will face Roy Halladay on Saturday, and Jeff Suppan will face Cole Hamels on Sunday, in what could be a pitcher’s duel.
TTB 