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Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh Game Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies (66-39) captured a 10-3 home victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates (54-50) Friday night and also received word of gaining a new team member at the same time.

Outfielder Hunter Pence has been traded from a team that had the worst record in baseball to a squad that has World Series aspirations.  Houston’s lone representative in the All-Star Game is headed to Philadelphia.

The Phillies have been truly dominating at Citizens Bank Park, posting a 39-18 record through 57 games, while winning 18 of the last 24.  Also, last night’s victory moved the team’s record to 16-5 all-time versus the Pirates at the venue.

Cliff Lee (9-7, 3.05 ERA) is looking for his first victory since June 28, entering with an 0-2 record and 4.97 ERA in four July outings.  Those numbers are stark contrast from the 5-0 mark and 0.21 ERA he tallied just a month earlier.

Lee has tallied an incredible 7-2 record and 2.05 ERA in 12 home starts, as opposing hitters have hit for a .221 average.

The left-hander has made just a single career start versus the Pirates, receiving a no-decision on the road in 2009, giving up two runs and four hits over seven frames.

Philadelphia is a perfect 4-0 in Lee’s last four starts versus the NL Central and the team is a superb 64-29 against the division at home since 2007.

Pittsburgh has split its last six games, but is still just three wins shy of matching its win total from last year.  The pitching staff has been the main strength for the club this year by posting a 3.39 ERA, which ranks seventh in the majors.  It has been even better this month by entering this series with a 2.82 ERA.

James McDonald (7-4, 3.95) has been of the hurlers that has dominated foes in July, tallying a 2-0 record and 1.90 ERA in four starts this month.  He has collected both of those victories in his last two efforts, tossing 11 2/3 shutout innings and allowing 12 hits.

The right-hander is 4-3 with a 5.19 ERA in 10 road starts this season, as opponents are hitting .311 against him, including knocking eight home runs in 52 frames.

He has made three career appearances (one start) versus the Phillies, entering with an 0-1 record and 5.06 ERA.  His lone start against them came on June 5 at home, lasting just four innings and issuing a season-high five free passes.

Total players will be interested in knowing that the ‘under’ 4-0 in his last four outings as an underdog, but this particular series has gone ‘over’ the number in five of the last six meetings.

Weather forecasts suggest game-time temperatures in the mid-80s and a northwesterly breeze at 5-10 mph (left to right).  The ‘over’ is 11-8 overall this season at Citizens Bank Park with that particular wind condition.=