Phillies (10-8) vs Padres (7-11) Preview - philliesfan136's Dynasty

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Phillies (10-8) vs Padres (7-11) Preview

Posted on July 11, 2011 at 04:08 AM.

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PHILADELPHIA- The Phillies ended their short 6-game homestand by taking 2 out of three from the Brewers. Now 10-8, they head out west to play four with the Padres, who they have fared well against as of late. Especially Cole Hamels, tonight's starter, who has had well-documented success in his hometown's park. The lefty is 4-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 9 career starts at PETCO Park coming into this game. *"It's just another place. Nicer weather." Hamels, who went to San Diego's Rancho Bernardo High School, commented in an interview. "I like pitching in any ballpark," the 2008 World Series MVP continued. "Truly, I pitch well in small ballparks, big ballparks, good weather, bad weather. It's just coming out and trying to get the team. It's not necessarily how big the ballpark is, it's who you're facing. I've been able to do well against certain teams, and the Padres are on that list. Thank God Adrian left." Of course, he's referring to three-time All Star and former Padre Adrian Gonzalez, who was traded to Boston in December. Meanwhile, the opposing pitcher, Dustin Moseley, has allowed 6 runs over 4 and 1/3 innings in two games at home this year since coming over from New York this offseason. Let's review the two pitchers' full 2011 stats as we await the first of this 4-game set:

Phillies vs Padres: Tale of the Tape
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LHP Cole Hamels
This season: 3 GS, 24.1 IP, 3-0, 1.11 ERA, 20 K, 5 BB, .182 BAA
Last start: 4/16 vs Marlins: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K (W 3-0)

VS

RHP Dustin Moseley
This season: 3 G (1 GS), 9.1 IP, 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 9 K, 4 BB
Last start: 4/16 vs Astros: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K (W 7-2)

Hamels has the clear advantage here, not only because of his success at PETCO Park, but also because the 27-year-old has allowed just 3 runs in 3 starts this season. It would be a surprise if he stopped pitching well now, as he faces a weak Padres offense that ranks in the bottom part of the league in a few offensive categories, including hits (155), RBIs (63), runs scored (63), team batting average (.244), and average with runners in scoring position (.204). The Phillies', on the contrary, rank in the top part of the league in all of those categories, the most notable being the fact that that the team has the best batting average in the majors (.297).
Here's both teams' starting lineups for game one of four:

Starting Lineups
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Phillies
Shane Victorino CF
Placido Polanco 3B
Jimmy Rollins SS
Raul Ibanez 1B
Ben Francisco LF
Carlos Ruiz C
Ross Gload RF
Wilson Valdez 2B
Cole Hamels P

VS

Padres
Jason Bartlett SS
Cameron Maybin CF
Chris Denorfia LF
Ryan Ludwick RF
Kyle Blanks 1B
Nick Hundley C
Chase Headley 3B
Orlando Hudson 2B
Dustin Moseley P

Philadelphia is losing some firepower as they are giving Ryan Howard and Chase Utley some much-needed days off. The two have been essentially two of the best players in the league this season, but have not gotten a break very often because of their contributions. Raul Ibanez makes his season debut, surprisingly at first base, where he has played a bit before. Ibanez is probably there so he doesn't have to move much, and it'll be interesting to see how he holds up. Domonic Brown, who is also having a good season, is replaced in the lineup by Ross Gload. Although the Padres' lineup isn't exactly producing, they face a less intimidating offense.

Summary
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Cole Hamels returns to Petco Park, where he has been successful. He doesn't have Ryan Howard or Chase Utley behind him to knock in runs, but he might not need that many tonight. The Phillies have the advantage offensively and defensively.

*Hamels's quotes on Petco Park from 4/23/11: http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2...4259005171.txt