Jurrjens/Blanton on Mound for Rubber Match

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Atlanta Braves (68-61) at Philadelphia Phillies (74-53)
Jair Jurrjens (10-8, 2.91 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (8-6, 3.88 ERA)

Last night, the Braves slugged their way to a victory against Cliff Lee and the Phillies. The Phillies offense needs to step it up in the rubber match game of the series.

The Curacao native has had himself a fine year with a 2.91 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Against the Phillies this season, Jurrjens allowed only two earned runs in 19.2 innings. In his career against Philly, he is 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA. The Phillies cumulative lineup is batting .188 against him. It will not be easy for the offense to get back on track with Jurrjens on the mound.

Joe Blanton will get the start for the Phillies tonight. After a slow start, Blanton has been dominant since mid-May. Blanton was hurt by the long ball in his last start. He has given up 24 home runs this season. Blanton has struggled against the Braves. In 26 innings, he is 0-1 with a 6.58 ERA. The Braves lineup is collectively batting .313 against him.

If Blanton pitches the way he has of late and the offense can get back on track, manufacturing runs via small ball with runners in scoring position, the Phillies should be in good shape under the national spotlight.

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