Dolphin Stadium now with a Jimmy Buffett twist as Landshark Stadium, originally uploaded by miamihitman
After rolling into the All-Star Break on a hot streak, some of the Phils participated in the festivities in St. Louis while others surely enjoyed some coveted rest and relaxation. It's back to business this evening in a pretty big mid-season match up with the Florida Marlins.
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Jamie Moyer will take on Chris Volstad in the opener tonight with both
teams hoping to determine what the NL East will look like
the rest of the season. With a four game lead over the second place
Marlins, the Phils hope to increase that before they depart the
sunshine state on Sunday.
This division has been decided on the final days of the season the past few years, but the Phillies have a chance to really make a statement and put some much desired space between themselves and the pack. That can start with a win tonight.
Volstad (6-8, 4.44 ERA) realizes the importance of the series.
"Everybody knows that the first four games are going to be pretty big
to start it off," said Volstad, who enters the series with a 6-8 record
and a 4.44 ERA in 18 starts. "You've got to think of it like any other
series, though. Set the tone early."
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Moyer has struggled recently despite getting a win in his last outing against the Reds in which he allowed 6 earned in only five innings. He will look to continue his impressive numbers against the Fish, especially in FLA:
"Moyer has never lost at Land Shark Stadium, compiling a 1.58 ERA while winning all seven of his starts there. "I can't explain it; I have no idea -- and even if I did, I wouldn't
tell you," Moyer said after allowing one run in six innings of a 13-2
win there April 26."
Good. Keep that secret to yourself. Just use it this evening.
The 2009 second half gets under way tonight. Phillies fans will hopefully have a summer of first place ball to enjoy.
Let's go Phils.