Phillies Open A Must 3 Game Series With Mets …
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The Phillies, following a rest day after losing 3 of 4 to the Washington Nationals, open what is surely a Must-Win series against the NL East 1st Place New York Mets.
Veteran Lefthander Tom Glavine (9-2) starts today for the Mets against Ryan Madison (6-3) for the Phils.
On Wednesday, it’s Orlando Hernandez (4-5) vs Brett Myers (4-2) and on Thursday, it’s Steve Trachsel (3-4) going against Cory Lidle (4-5).
The Phils are at a crucial crossroad; either close in on the Mets or face the distinct possibility of the season slipping from their grasp.
As I see it, the Phils must get decent pitching from their starters in order to hold the Mets close. The bullpen of late, over the last 10 games has been nothing, if not consistent in closing down opposing hitters. In one string during this period, they were unscored upon in something like 21 consecutive innings.
The team must awake offensively after the 3 hit shutout tossed at them in the Washington get-away game in order to give the Mets a real run in this series. Against the Mets, consistency and doing it “in the clutch” are crucial. And outside of Utley, Burrell, Howard and Rowand as well as some timely hitting from Fasano, Dellucci and Victorino, more production is needed at leadoff from Jimmy Rollins, from Bobby Abreu and from David Bell. The point is, batting averages go out the window if one can’t get it done with the game on the line.
I honestly believe that, with all offensive cylinders operating, good performances from the starters and continued steady performance from the bullpen, the Phils have what it takes to sweep the Mets. And that is exactly what the Phils need in order to close in on the Mets. If they get swept, they will have dug themselves a huge hole from where it’s a long road back to contend this season. This is a Must series.
For all of the scores, recaps and box scores of games in both leagues, click here.
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