My Fellow Phans, The Phillies sit on the brink of clinching their 5th consecutive National League East title. Our magic number currently sits at 2 to clinch that honor while we just need three wins (or losses by the D.Backs and Brewers) to solidify the best record in the National League home field for each playoff series we take part in.
First things first. The Phillies begin a 4 game series with high flying St. Louis. The Cardinals are currently chasing both the Braves and Brewers in the Wild Card and NL Central respectively. They have been playing well recently and will definitely play the Phillies well this upcoming series.
Some interesting notes on this series: If the Phillies somehow sweep this series, they will tie the team record for most wins in a season with 101 set back in 1976 and 1977. A series win will grant them their first 100 win season in the last couple decades.
But, let’s be realistic and take this series one game at a time.
The Phillies and Cardinals met in St. Louis back in June with the Phillies taking 2 out of 3 games.
Here is your preview:
Phillies (97-51 – 1st NL East) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (81-68 – 2nd NL Central)
Friday, September 16:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17
Vance Worley (11-2 2.92) vs. Jaime Garcia (12-7 3.68)
Saturday, September 17:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17
Roy Oswalt (7-9 3.88) vs. Jake Westbrook (12-8 4.61)
Sunday, September 18:
8:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – ESPN
Cole Hamels (14-8, 2.71) vs Chris Carpenter (9-9, 3.80)
Monday, September 19:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN
Roy Halladay (18-5, 2.34) vs Kyle Lohse (13-8, 3.62)
Cardinals Series Notes:
The Cardinals come in hot. They have won 7 of their last 10 and 14 of their last 20 overall. The have climbed significantly in the standings lately and are trying to overtake either The first place Brewers or Wild Card leading Braves.
One thing that the Cardinals have going for them is their offense. they lead the National League in batting average and rank 2nd in the league in runs scored. They also lead the league in slugging percentage. A primary reason for this output are a trip of superstars.
The top gun in the St. Louis offense is, arguably the best player in the game, Albert Pujols (.295- 35 HR – 93 RBI). He is flanked by comeback player of the year candidate Lance Berkman (.290-30-86) and hot hitting left fielder Matt Holliday (.295-22-74). Together these three form what may be the most devestating trio in the major leagues. throw in players such as Yadier Molina (.295-12-60) and The Cardinals present one of the better lineups that the Phillies have faced this season.
Pitching wise, the Cardinals have thrown the 12th best ERA (3.84) as a team. They have the luxury of being one of the only teams with 4 pitchers posting 10+ wins. The Phillies will see 3 of those pitchers this series. the other pitcher they will face, Chris Carpenter, is one win away from making it 5 pitchers. Closer Jason Motte may be the Cardinals’ Cy Young pitcher this season. He has stepped into the closer’s role and posted an 1.93 ERA in his 72 games.
Phillies Series Notes:
I don’t think we have much else to say outside of what I said in the opening. The Phillies need 2 wins to be NL East champs and 3 wins to obtain the NL’s best record.
I don’t think I need to ramble on with various stats and figures from this season. Let’s face it. We all know the players, stats, streaks, and races that are going on. The time for all that sort of talk is over.
The only numbers that matter are 2 and 3.
It’s time for the Phillies to put finishing touches on this magical and historical season and get prepared for the postseason.
I will keep you all updated on any clinching that may go on during this series.
Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and go Phillies!
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