Preview Game 111: Phillies @ Cubs

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Tonight is the night for one of the most anticipated season debuts in baseball this season. Pedro Martinez will make his 2009 season debut with the Phillies in grand fashion.

Martinez went 1-1 in three starts in his minor league starts with the Phillies, carrying a 5.11 ERA and 16 strike outs. In his last outing Martinez was dominant for double A reading, striking out 11 batters. For the Phillies the hope is that Martinez can be more effective and efficient than Jamie Moyer was. Moyer has been sent to the bullpen to allow Martinez a shot in the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see whether or not Martinez can put together six or seven solid innings in his 2009 debut tonight.

The truth is Martinez is another question mark for the Phillies, and one that fans are eager to see how it unfolds.

Opposing Martinez will be former Notre Dame wide receiver, and until now Cubs reliever, Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija enters tonight's game with a 1-1 record and lofty 6.29 ERA. Tonight will mark the first start in the majors for Samardzija.

The Phillies need to get their offense back on the right step. Three hits should not have been enough to win last night's twelve inning game, but there may have been some luck on the side of the NL East leaders. Chase Utley, Ryan howard, and Raul Ibanez have zero home runs in August. Newcomer Ben Francisco has two home runs.

Programming note: make sure you remember that the game starts at 8:05 pm EST instead of the traditional 7:05pm start time!

Phillies Record: 62-48
Cubs Record: 58-53

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)

1. PHILLIES 61-48, -
2. Marlins 59-53, 3.5
3. Braves 58-54, 4.5
   
4. Mets 52-60, 10.5
   
5. Nationals 40-72, 22.5
   

Pitching probables: Harden (7-7, 4.41 ERA) vs. Happ (8-2, 2.74 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet, ESPN

First pitch: 8:05pm

Season Series: Phillies lead 3-1

7.20 CHICAGO CUBS W 10-1 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
7.21 CHICAGO CUBS W 4-1 (12) Preview/Open Thread/Recap
7.22 CHICAGO CUBS L 5-10


Open thread for the game will be posted at 7:30pm. Game recap will be up tomorrow morning.