Preview Game 131: Phillies vs Giants

After a couple of frustrating nights for the Phillies it would seem unlikely that the bats will come alive tonight. Or will they?

It seems almost silly to think the Phillies will spark tonight for seven, eight, nine or more runs after scoring once in the previous two games against the Giants, because the Giants will send Tim Lincecum to the mound. Lincecum is one of, if not the, best pitchers in the National League and shut down the Phillies in his last start against them in San Francisco.

The Phillies will hope for no out-of-nowhere rain storms as Pedro Martinez takes the mound for the Phillies. In two of his last three starts, Martinez was removed from the game early due to rain delays. Jamie Moyer took over on the mound in each game and pitched the Phillies to key victories. There is no rain in the forecast so Martinez will get a good opportunity tonight. The Giants offense is not stellar so Martinez could have some success against them, but the Phillies offense will have to back him up.

The Phillies have won in each of Martinez's four starts and the offense has scored 30 runs in those games.

Phillies Record: 76-54
Giants Record: 73-60

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)

1. PHILLIES 76-54, -
2. Braves 70-63, 7.5
   
3. Marlins 69-64, 8.5
4. Mets 59-74, 18.5
   
5. Nationals 46-88, 32.0
   

Pitching probables: Martinez (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Lincecum (13-4, 2.33 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 7:05pm EST

Season Series: Giants lead 4-2
7.30 @ San Francisco L 2-7 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
7.31 @ San Francisco W 5-1 Preview/Open Thread
8.01 @ San Francisco L 0-2 Open Thread
8.02 @ San Francisco L 3-7 Open Thread
9.01 SAN FRANCISCO W 1-0 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
9.02 SAN FRANCISCO L 0-4 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
9.03 SAN FRANCISCO

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