Game 34: Phillies at Diamondbacks (2/4)

Philadelphia Phillies: 19-14
Arizona Diamondbacks: 21-11

Adam Eaton (0-0 4.72 ERA, 3-4 3.80 ERA)
Randy Johnson (1-1 4.79 ERA, 9-3 2.44 ERA)

Projected lineups:

Victorino CF 2/9, .222/.222/.222
Werth RF 1/6, .167/.167/.500
Utley 1B 0/6, .000/.250/.000
Burrell LF 4/18, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .211/.423/.421
Feliz 3B 7/33, 1 RBI, .212/.212/.273
Coste C N/A
Bruntlett SS N/A
Harman 2B N/A
Eaton P

Young CF 2/4, .500/.500/.750
Byrnes LF 2/3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .667/.667/1.667
Hudson 2B 1/3, .333/.333/.333
Jackson 1B N/A
Upton RF N/A
Reynolds 3B N/A
Drew SS 0/3
Montero C N/A
Johnson P

The Phillies were faced with a tough test last night, and up and down the entire roster, they responded with an 11-4 victory. They hit Max Scherzer early and often, and dipped into the D'Backs pen early in the series. Tonight, they face another challenge in Randy Johnson, who has historically dominated the Phillies throughout his career. It's tough to put much stock into numbers like that since they're against different players and lineups, but success is success. Without Ryan Howard in the lineup, some other guys are going to have to step up.

Jamie Moyer delivered a very good start last night, and Adam Eaton will look to continue his mediocre start to the season tonight. He hasn't been quite as awful in 2008, but he's had his moments. Arizona is actually without Hudson tonight, so their lineup isn't as strong as I predicted.

Game 33: Phillies at Diamondbacks (1/4)

Philadelphia Phillies: 18-14
Arizona Diamondbacks: 21-10

Jamie Moyer (1-2 4.50 ERA, 1-1 3.74 ERA)
Max Scherzer (0-0 0.00 ERA, 0-0 --- ERA)

Projected lineups:

Victorino CF N/A
Dobbs 3B N/A
Utley 2B N/A
Howard 1B N/A
Burrell LF N/A
Jenkins RF N/A
Coste C N/A
Bruntlett SS N/A
Moyer P

Young CF 2/5, 1 RBI, .400/.333/.400
Drew SS 0/3
Byrnes LF 9/35, 3 HR, 4 RBI, .257/.297/.600
Jackson 1B 3/6, .500/.571/.667
Upton RF N/A
Reynolds 3B 2/4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .500/.500/1.250
Snyder C 0/6
Burke 2B 0/3
Scherzer P

The Phillies face a very tough test tonight. One, this is the best team in the National League. Arizona has the best record in baseball, and they're really a complete team. They're second in the NL in runs, second in team OPS, first in team ERA, both their starters and relievers. This is a complete team, and they're a legitimate threat to win the pennant this year. Not only that, top prospect Max Scherzer is making his rotation debut, and you never know what's going to happen when you face a pitcher you've never seen.

Arizona was not a team that treated the Phillies well last season. They were 1-5 against the D'Backs overall in 2007, and it took a pinch hit grand slam by the big guy to earn that victory. If the Phillies want to be the best, and they definitely have the potential to do so, it starts with beating the best in Arizona tonight.