Game 1 preview

The Phillies have a tough task at hand when they face Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals this afternoon.

The reigning National League Cy Young award winner has had a nearly perfect spring, going 2-0 with a 1.01 ERA in six spring starts. The 30-year-old right-hander went 21-5 with a 2.83 ERA last season, but was roughed up hard by the Phillies. Back on April 10, he was shelled for 8 runs in 3 1-3 innings, and on May 18, gave up 3 runs in 6 innings.

Otherwise, he was outstanding. Still one of the most underrated pitchers in the game, he is the winningest pitcher of the last two seasons, going 36-10 (.783 winning percentage).

Jimmy Rollins will be looking to extend his hitting streak to 37 games. He is 4-14 (.286) lifetime against Carpenter.

Along with Carpenter, the Cardinals pitching staff had a superb spring, posting a 3.65 ERA, second among NL teams.

Former Phillie Scott Rolen is back after an injury-shortened 2005. He had a good spring, going 16-49 (.327) with no signs to indicate his shoulder still bothered him.

Today's game could also feature the Phillies debut of David Dellucci, acquired Saturday in a deal that sent Robinson Tejeda to Texas. Dellucci hit .300 this spring with five homers.

Comments

[Lake Fred]

Tough start. All 9 Cardinals starters got hits. The silver lining is that eight Phillies starters got hits except for the pitcher. The Cards are my pick to win it all, so it's no disgrace, but we need a rebounding victory to keep the spring training feeling going. Cormier had a nice inning and Rollins hit streak stays alive. You can't win then all.