Olsen vs. Oswalt: Battle of the O's

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Washington Nationals (53-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-53)
Scott Olsen (3-5, 5.13 RA) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-13, 3.36 ERA)

Kyle Kendrick was rocked and Stephen Strasburg struck out six in the Nationals' 8-1 victory last night. The series is split at a game apiece, but this is a series that the Phillies need to win. Taking advantage of a last place team certainly helps in the standings. The Phillies have a good chance with Roy Oswalt on the mound.

Oswalt would like another chance against Washington. His first start as a Phillie was at Nationals Park, and he did not make the Phillies debut that he would have liked.

When he was a Marlin, Scott Olsen said that he "hates the Phillies." He must dispise facing them, since he has a 5.56 earned run average against them. Olsen has missed some time due to injuries this year, but he has really struggled in the month of August, posting an ERA near 11 in three starts.

The Nationals have not won back-to-back games at Citizens Bank Park since 2005. The Phillies would like to keep it that way, and boost their playoff chances.

Today's lineup:Rollins (SS), Ibanez (LF), Polanco (3B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Victorino (CF), Ruiz (C), Valdez (2B), Oswalt (P). Just a scheduled off day for Utley.

Winning Streak Stops at Eight

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All good things come to an end. The Phillies' eight game winning streak came to a halt as the Phillies fell 8-1 to the Washington Nationals. The loss came on a night where Roy Oswalt made his anticipated Phillies debut, but could not live up to the expectations.

The loss was Oswalt's 13th of the season, which leads the majors. Nyjer Morgan greeted him with a lead-off triple, and eventually scored. The Nationals did not look back. Oswalt did not get much help from his defense. Craig Stammen laid down a poor bunt. The Phillies should have been able to get the lead runner at third base, however nobody covered third as Carlos Ruiz's throw sailed into left field.

Oswalt lasted six innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, and two walks. He struck out four and hit two batters. Regardless, it was a very disappointing debut for Oswalt. However, don't call this trade a bust. Oswalt still remains as one of the top pitchers in the game; he just had a rough night. It happens to every pitcher.

The Phillies made Oswalt feel right at home with their lack of run support. Oswalt's offense averages 2.51 runs per game when he pitches. The Phillies lone run came on a home run from Jayson Werth. Stammen, who entered the game with an ERA over five, made hitters look silly. The Phillies couldn't do anything.

It's always tough to lose to a last place team, but the streak wasn't going to last forever. The Phillies could build a new streak tomorrow, but they have to focus on one game at a time.

Oswalt To Make Phillies Debut

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Philadelphia Phillies (56-46) at Washington Nationals (44-58)

Roy Oswalt (6-12, 3.43 ERA) vs. Craig Stammen (2-4, 5.50 ERA)

The Phillies have put together a nice eight game winning streak, putting themselves ten games over .500. It's been awhile since the Phillies found themselves at that mark, but they are also closing in on the gap in the division and wild card (2.5 GB in the National League East; 1.5 GB in the Wild Card). Now, they have another ace on the mound, and facing a very sweep-able last place team. The Phillies even lucked out by not seeing Stephen Strasburg this series. Things keep getting better and better. Other teams should start to worry.

The last time the Phillies were in Washington, Roy Halladay made his Phillies debut. Now, another Roy will be doing the same. Newly acquired Roy Oswalt will make his first start as a Phillie, after waiving his no-trade clause in a trade that sent J.A Happ and two minor leaguers to Houston.

Oswalt is 6-12 this season, but don't let that record fool you. The Astros are not a good team, and failed to give Oswalt run support. Hence why wins aren't a good stat to use to determine how good a pitcher is. Oswalt has a good ERA of 3.42 and WHIP of 1.11. He averages about two walks, seven hits, and eight strikeouts per nine innings, having a respectable walks/strikeout ratio. He does not surrender the long ball often.

Oswalt finished in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting five times in his ten-year career. His repertoire consists of a fastball, curveball, changeup, and a slider. His curveball is his best off-speed pitch.

On the flip side, Craig Stammen goes for Washington. The 26-year old did not make it through six innings in his last five starts. He has struggled heavily against the Phillies, having an ERA over 15 in two starts.

Nine in a row would be sweet for the Phillies. Perhaps even sweeter because Roy Oswalt is a Phillie, and at a steal.

Phillies Need Offense

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-55) at Houston Astros (64-70).

Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.77 ERA) starts vs. Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.80 ERA).

Since Sunday, the Phillies have scored six lonely runs. Even though the pitching allowed 14 runs, the Phillies have been able to win three games. Subtracting Cliff Lee's poor outing, the Phillies were only outscored 8-6. They have been facing great pitching, and today will be no different. Regardless, the offense needs to get back on track.

Joe Blanton will take the mound against Roy Oswalt. Blanton is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in his last 12 starts. Blanton won his only career start against Houston. He pitched seven innings and allowed three runs.

Oswalt is 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 10 games against the Phillies. Oswalt starts to pick it up in the second half, especially September. He is 28-8 with a 2.54 ERA in September/October.

Tonight's Lineup: Chase Utley is out with a bruised, swollen foot.

Shane Victorino (CF)/ Jayson Werth (RF)/ Jimmy Rollins (SS)/ Ryan Howard (1B)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ Pedro Feliz (3B)/ Miguel Cairo (2B)/ Paul Bako (C)/ Joe Blanton (P).

Came Out of Nowhere

Don't look now, but the Houston Astros have pulled themselves to within 4 games back of the Wild Card.

They have a huge series with the Cubs coming up, however 2 games have been rained out due to Hurricane Ike.

The Astros are on a tear. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games, and have won 13 of their last 14. Could they pull a 2007 Colarado Rockies? Unlikely, but possible.

Roy Oswalt, who hasn't had the type of year that was expected of him, has picked it up lately. He has pitched 17.1 scoreless innings. In his last 10 starts, 66.1 innings, Oswalt has an ERA of just 2.17.

Lance Berkman is having an MVP type year. At this point, he is my runner up to Albert Pujols. Berkman is hitting .330 this year with 28 HR and 100 RBI. His OBP is .433 and his SLG is .601. with a 1.034 OPS.

Despite losing RBI machine Carlos Lee for the remainder of the year, and a retired Craig Biggio, the Astros have hung in there.

The Astros have a lot of former Phillies thanks to the Brad Lidge trade. It has worked out quite nice for the Phillies. Michael Bourn, Randy Wolf, and Geoff Geary are all current Astros. You can find out how they are doing in my previous post, "Where are They Now". Of the three, Geary has been the best. In 59 IP, he is 3-3 with an ERA of 2.44 with a WHIP of 1.14.

Ty Wiggington and Hunter Pence also provided some power for the Astros with 22 homeruns each.