Preview Game 119: Phillies @ Mets

Old rivals will be reacquainted this weekend when the Phillies open up a four game series against the Mets up in New York tonight. In the past couple season a four game set like this would be the highlight of the National League but with the Mets struggling due to a rash of injuries this season the prestige of this four game set has tapered off. That does not mean there are not some intriguing story lines to follow though.

For starters Cole Hamels is looking for his first win since July 28 when he picked up a victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hamels has lost two games and received a no-decision in another since then. Hamels has also not gone more than 6.0 innings since his win in Arizona. Enering tonight's game Hamels has a 4.69 ERA, above the league average of 4.34.

Hamels has suddenly become the least reliable starting pitcher in the rotation but he has plenty of time to rectify that. Cliff Lee, JA Happ and Joe Blanton have been far and away better than last year's World Series MVP. Phillies fans want to see Hamels regain his form now though and tonight against the Mets would be a terrific time to get back on the winning track, especially considering the comments that Hamels made about the Mets in the off season.

Opposing Hamels will be Mike Pelfrey. Like Hamels, Pelfre is also looking for his first win since July 28. Similar to Hamels Pelfrey has also lost two games and received a no-decision since last recording a victory, although the Mets won the game in which he received his no-decision. The Phillies have lost three straight games Hamels has pitched. Pelfrey pitched six innings against the Phillies in his last game against Philaelphia, allowing four runs (two earned) in six full innings back on June 10. The Phillies went on to win that game by a 5-4 score.

In that game Pelfrey and Chase Utley exchanged some words. The Mets pitcher thought Utley was taking too much time in the batter's box but Utley got the last laugh by hitting a pair of solo home runs in the game. The Phillies rallied form a 4-1 deficit to win 5-4. Hamels pitched that game and lasted just five innings and allowed all four Mets runs. The Phillies bullpen locked it down and gave the Phillies the chance to win.

Of interest will be the play of Mets reliever Billy Wagner. Activated from the disabled list just yesterday Wagner had a nice 2009 debut in limited action against the Braves. Wagner struck out two batters last night in his first game since having Tommy John surgery last year. He was thought to be gone for the entire 2009 season but now the Mets may be able to shop him around. He was already placed on waivers.

Phillies record: 69-49
Mets record: 56-65

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)

1. PHILLIES 69-49, -
2. Braves 64-57, 6.5
3. Marlins 64-57, 6.5
4. Mets 56-65, 14.5
5. Nationals 43-78, 27.5

Pitching probables: Pelfrey (8-8, 4.75 ERA) vs. Hamels (7-7, 4.69 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 7:10pm

Season series: Phillies lead 6-4
5.01 NY METS L 4-7 Preview/Open Thread
5.02 NY METS W 6-5 (10) Open Thread
5.03 NY METS POSTPONED
5.06 @ NY Mets L 0-1 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
5.07 @ NY Mets L 5-7 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
6.09 @ NY Mets L 5-6 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
6.10 @ NY Mets W 5-4 (11) Preview/Open Thread/Recap
6.11 @ NY Mets W 6-3 (10) Preview/Open Thread/Recap
7.03 NY METS W 7-2
7.04 NY METS W 4-1
7.05 NY METS W 2-0
8.21 @ NY Mets
8.22 @ NY Mets
8.23 @ NY Mets
8.24 @ NY Mets
9.11 NY METS
9.12 NY METS
9.13 NY METS (rescheduled)
9.13 NY METS

Open thread will be posted at 6:30pm. No game recap though as it is now officially the weekend. Be on the look out for some scheduled posts as Blogger seems to have worked out the kinks in that area. Only time will tell for sure!

Have a good weekend and enjoy the ball games!