Open Thread: Braves vs. Phillies, Friday 9/1, 7:05 ET

The Phillies are playing like, well, like WE should be playing. Ever since trading away Abreu and Lidle they have been playing winning baseball, have gotten their record above .500, and have moved to within a game of the Wild Card lead. They are led by big Ryan Howard. In just under two full seasons, Howard has amassed some impressive numbers against the Braves, hitting .390 with seven homeruns and 20 RBI. If we are to find a way to win any of these four ballgames, we are going to have to find a way to contain Ryan Howard.

Howard has only faced Oscar Villarreal once in his career and walked. A key player for Villarreal to keep off base will be Jimmy Rollins, who is 4-for-9 with two doubles lifetime against him. Oscar is coming off his shortest and least impressive start, but it is vitally important that he goes at least five innings (if not more) to keep from taxing the bullpen too soon. They are going to have plenty of work ahead of them with Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier pitching the doubleheader on Saturday, who knows what to expect from each of them or how long they will be able to throw.

Today's Starting Pitchers

O. Villarreal Braves vs.  J. Lieber Phillies 9-1 W-L 6-9 4.17 ERA 5.09 43 SO 78 23 BB 24 11 HR 20 vs. Phillies -- vs. Braves

Believe it or not, tonight's starter for Philadelphia, Jon Lieber, has not yet faced the Braves this year. While Philly has been playing red-hot baseball of late, Lieber has not been a part of it. He has been just as bad since the All-Star break as he was before the break. That said, no one on the Braves has hit him exceptionally well. Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones have had some moderate success against him. Look for Adam LaRoche to round the bases as he bounces back from a 1-for-5 night with six left on. Also look for Chipper to swing for the fences against Lieber.