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MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Oakland Athletics

The last time Hideki Matsui faced the Philadelphia Phillies, he was named World Series MVP for the New York Yankees almost two years ago.

The Oakland Athletics don’t need quite that level of heroics from their slugger in a three-game series this weekend.

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Matsui returns to Philadelphia for the first time since the 2009 World Series when the A’s make their first visit to Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.

Matsui, who has 499 combined homers between Japan and the United States, is expected to start in left field for Oakland (34-42) after sitting out Thursday’s 4-1 road loss to the New York Mets. He got his first two starts in left during the previous two games and showed he’s still capable defensively by catching nine fly balls.

However, his offense hasn’t been nearly as good. He’s hitting .221 with six homers and 30 RBIs this season, going 1 for 8 with four walks and four strikeouts his last three games.

While Matsui and the A’s are in danger of following a season-high six-game winning streak with a third straight loss, the Phillies seek an eighth consecutive home victory.

Philadelphia leads the majors with 28 home wins, and has outscored opponents 43-15 during the seven-game run at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies, though, were pounded 12-2 at St. Louis on Thursday after back tightness forced Roy Oswalt’s exit following two innings.

Philadelphia’s rotation leads the majors with a 3.11 ERA, and Vance Worley (2-1, 3.41 ERA) is trying to prove he can be a consistent contributor.

The right-hander is getting another turn in the rotation after yielding one run in five innings before leaving without a decision in Saturday’s 5-1 win at Seattle. He was recalled from Triple-A Leigh Valley two days prior after going 2-1 with a 3.75 ERA in six games - four starts - during his previous stint in the majors this year. Worley is 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three home starts.

Despite the last game against the Cardinals, the Phillies have a big edge in this game and the series. Look for the Phillies to get an inspired effort from Worley and the win in tonight’s game.

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