Phillies ride on to D-Backs, Webb
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by user JuTMSY4
So the Philadelphia Phillies continue to blaze the west with a 3 game set in Arizona. Problem is, the first stop on the trail is blocked by one Brandon Webb(8-0, 2.01 ERA). As imposing as the current best pitcher in the national league sounds, the Phillies are a little more optimistic. After deftly handling Pedro Martinez earlier this season and surviving the Dodgers vaunted group that includes Derek Lowe, Brad Penny and Aaron Sele the Phils seem ready and willing to take on the Cy Young Front-runner.
With a heavy left hand, The Phils seem capable of takin on Webb, who struggles against left-handers (.276 Avg, .707 Slugging). The Phillies could potentially start a total of seven lefthanders (Abraham Nunez, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Bobby Abreu, David Dellucci, Shane Victorino) and leave their bench stacked with tons of options for the later innings (Pat Burrell, David Bell, Aaron Rowand, Mike Lieberthal). None the less, facing a top of his game pitcher tonight is not going to be the the Phillies favor and they are going to need the continuing support of some of their hottest players tonight(namely Abreu and Utley)
The Phillies counter with Cory Lidle, the journeyman righty with a strong ability to induce the ground ball. Unfortunetly, they're playing in Arizona not the Cit, so his value is diminished. However, in his three games away from the park on Broad Street, Cory Lidle is 1-1 with a 3.5 ERA. The Diamondbacks are also loaded with lefties much the the Phils, and Lidle is giving those south paws a strong .330 average versus only .260 for righties.
Truly, the bottom line for Lidle is to just stay the game. If the Phils can keep this one close, they might be able to snap up the bull pen and squeeze by with a W. Then again, Webb hasn't had to much trouble going the distance either. He is tied for the Major league lead in complete games (2) and is currently leading in innings pitched (89.2).
Bottom line, Lidle will lead the way if this one belongs in the win column, otherwise Webb will rule the day.
Final Score: D-Back 7, Phils 2
Date
Mon 06/05/06, 7:27 am EST
