Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
at Colorado Rockies (1-1) J.A Happ, LHP (0-0) vs. Jason Hammel, RHP (0-0)
There has been much anticipation for the third game of the series, and the wait is finally over. Originally scheduled for Saturday night, snow postponed the National League Division Series. Play returns tonight with better weather conditions.
Cole Hamels' hanging curveball to Yorvit Torreabla is the main reason why this series is locked at one. The Phillies had an opportunity to take advantage of their home turf, but now they'll have to carry their road success into the postseason. The Phillies were a National League (tied with the Los Angeles Angels for MLB) best 48-33 away from The Bank this season.
Pedro Martinez was originally scheduled to pitch game three, but thanks to the postponement, J.A Happ will be handed the ball. Happ was struck in the knee during a relief appearance on Thursday, forcing him to exit the game. Happ suffered from a contusion, but insisted on being fine. The rookie, who won 12 games with a sub-3 ERA, will make his first postseason start. On August 5, Happ tossed a complete game shutout against the Rockies. In that outing, he struck out ten.
The Rockies opted to go with Jason Hammel, who came over from the Tampa Bay Rays at the very beginning of the season. Hammel went 10-8 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP this season. He started the year in the bullpen, but spent the majority of the season as a starter. Hammel pitched 9.1 innings against the Phillies, including one start. He allowed five earned against the Phillies, whose collective lineup batted .359 against him. Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez each homered off him.
Tonight's game is the most important one yet. A victory would give the Phillies some breathing room, but a loss will make their chances of repeating much more difficult.
Tonight's Lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (LF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Happ (P).
