Phillies/Braves Series Pitching Preview

The Phillies missed a prime opportunity to put some distance between themselves and their NL East competitors when they got swept by the Florida Marlins over the weekend. However, the team appears to be mostly back on track after completing a sweep of the Cubs in Chicago this afternoon. Now, the Phillies will have another opportunity to pull away from an NL east opponent when they travel to Turner Field this weekend for a three game series with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves currently sit 4.5 games (tied with Florida) behind the Phillies in the NL East. However, the Braves hold a 7-2 edge in the season series and swept the Phillies in Atlanta in their most recent series in early July. Let's take a look at the pitching matchups in an important series for both clubs.

Friday, August 14th: Joe Blanton vs. Jair Jurrjens
When Blanton allowed 3 runs in 6.2 innings in his most recent start against Florida, it represented the most runs he had allowed since June 30, coincidentally against Atlanta. Since Brett Myers went down with a hip injury and the 2008 Cole Hamels has yet to report for duty in 2009, Blanton has stepped up nicely as the number 2 starter for the Phillies behind the recently acquired Cliff Lee. In his 13 starts since May 21st, Blanton has a 2.46 ERA. He will face tough opponent in Jair Jurrjens, who in two starts against the Phillies this season has not allowed a single earned run. Jurrjens ERA has 3.01 for the season, however, he has been unable to pitch into the 6th inning in each of his last two starts.

Saturday, August 15th: Cole Hamels vs. Kenshin Kawakami
While he's shown flashes of his 2008 self at times this year, Cole Hamels has been largely inconsistent in 2009. Though he has at times been the victim of some bad luck (his batting average on balls in play is .318, 5th worst in the NL), he has also struggled with his command and his inability to develop and consistent third pitch to get hitters off of his once lethal fastball/changeup combo. In short, the league has adjusted to Hamels and Hamels has yet to make counter adjustments. Hamels was very good as recently as July 28th versus Arizona, but his last two starts have been disappointing. He will face Japanese right Kenshin Kawakami, who has steadily improved after a disastrous start. Kawakami's most recent start may have been his best of the season, as he shut out Los Angeles through 7 innings. Since a very poor month of April, Kawakami has a respectable 3.46 ERA. In his only start against Philadelphia, he gave up 2 runs in 6 innings to earn the win.

Sunday, August 16th: JA Happ vs. Javier Vazquez
JA Happ has weathered losing a tight battle for the final rotation spot in spring training, more than a month of Roy Halladay rumors, and more speculation about his starting spot as Pedro Martinez got ready to make his return to the Major Leagues. And all he's done is post an 8-2 record and a 2.75 ERA while making himself a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. Happ bounced back from a shaky start against St. Louis on July 24th and allowed just 4 earned runs in his last 3 outings. While Happ may have just average Major League stuff, he makes up for it with excellent poise and command of his fastball. He faces veteran Javier Vazquez, who has done quite well for himself in his first season in Atlanta. Like Happ, Vazquez lacks above average stuff, but he baffles hitters with a variety of arm angles and his everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pitch selection. In his most recent start, Vazquez allowed just one run in eight innings against the Dodgers. His victory over LA was his 10th of the season, and he sports a 2.90 ERA.