Preview Game 51: Phillies @ Padres

The Phillies go for their fourth road sweep of the season in the series finale against the San Diego Padres. The bullpen will have an extra arm to rely on as J.C. Romero is available for the first time in the 2009 season, having paid his suspension time in full.

Romero is a welcome addition to the bullpen. the bullpen has pitched well over all lately but during Romero's suspension guys like Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey were being over worked and in situations they would not normally be playing. Romero says he is ready and Charlie Manuel has said he would not hesitate to go to Romero in the right situations. All systems are go.

As for the starting pitcher, JA Happ gets the start for the Phillies as he attempts to go 4-0 on the season. In his last outing against the Washington Nationals Happ was uncharacteristically erratic but he did strike out five batters and allowed just three runs. He hit two batters and walked three in that game and looks to regain his precision control against the Padres.

Opposing the young hurler will be the Padres' Chris Young. Young has been fair this season but has walked 31 batters to take away from his 46 strike outs. In Young's last game he walked six batters, a season high. In Young's last game against the Phillies he was roughed up. In 3.2 innings of work Young was charged with seven earned runs on nine hits and a couple walks.


Phillies record: 30-20
Padres record: 25-27

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)

1. PHILLIES 30-20, -
2. Mets 28-23, 2.5
   
3. Braves 26-25, 4.5
   
4. Marlins 25-28, 6.5
   
5. Nationals 14-36, 16.0
   

Pitching probables: Happ (3-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Young (4-3, 4.45 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 10:05pm EST

Season series: Phillies lead 3-2
4.17 SAN DIEGO L 7-8 Preview/Open Thread
4.18 SAN DIEGO L 5-8 Open Thread
4.19 SAN DIEGO W 5-4 Open Thread
4.20 SAN DIEGO POSTPONED/Open Thread
6.01 @ San Diego W 5-3 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
6.02 @ San Diego W 10-5 Preview/Open Thread/Recap

Game open thread will be posted at 9:30pm if you are up late enough to watch the game. Recap will be up tomorrow morning.