Preview Game 156: Phillies vs. Astros

The Phillies return home to wrap up the 2009 regular season and they could be clinching the NL East title as early as tomorrow night. Nothing will come easy for the Phillies though as bullpen struggles continue to plaque the team's chances of winning and the offense continues to be hit or miss.

The Phillies will also have to look to find a way to beat the Houston Astros, who swept the Phillies in a four game series earlier this month in Houston. Looking to set the tone could be a game one starter for the Phillies when Cole Hamels takes the mound tonight.

Everybody knwos that Hamels has turned his season around. He has picked up three wins in his last four decisions and has allowed ten runs in his last five starts. Hamels was the victim of a bullpen meltdown in his last start, in which he allowed four runs in seven innings but left the game with a lead. Ryan Madson quickly let go of the lead as the Florida Marlins put together a rally in the last two innings to win the game in their final at bat.

The Houston Astros are well out of the playoffs and look to play the role of spoiler. Tonight Yorman Bazrdo will take the mound. In 21.2 innings this season Bazardo has a 9.55 ERA and his picked up two losses. He has thrown just one inning against the Phillies, not coming earlier this month. He has struck out two batters and allowed one run on two hits in his career against the Phillies.

The Phillies have played well at Citizens Bank Park in the second half of the season and now have a home record of 42-32. To put the division away they will need to take care of the Astros, who are just 28-46 on the road this season.

The Phillies enter tonight's game with a magic number of three.

Phillies Record: 90-65
Astros Record: 72-83

NL East Standings

1. PHILLIES 90-65, -
2. Braves 85-70, 5.0
   
3. Marlins 83-73, 7.5
4. Mets 67-89, 23.5
   
5. Nationals 52-103, 38.0
   

Pitching probables: Cole Hamels (10-9, 4.11 ERA) vs. Yorman Bazardo (0-2, 9.55 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch, game one: 7:05 pm EST

Season Series: Houston leads 4-0
9.04 @ Houston L 0-7 Preview/Open Thread
9.05 @ Houston L 4-5 Open Thread
9.06 @ Houston L 3-4 Open Thread
9.07 @ Houston L 3-4 Open Thread
9.28 HOUSTON
9.29 HOUSTON
9.30 HOUSTON

Open thread for the game will be posted at 6:30 pm. Game recap will be up tomorrow morning.