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Here's a review of the pitching match ups and other key stats from the upcoming four-game series between the Cardinals and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Thursday, 7:05 PM.  Adam Wainwright (2-1, 2.05 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.56 ERA).   The righty Wainwright is 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in nine career regular season outings against the Phils.  Wainwright has a 0.56 ERA in three career regular season games at Citizens Bank Park.  Jimmy Rollins is 7-for-20 (.350 avg) in his career against Wainwright.  In nine career regular season games against the Cardinals, Hamels has a 2-3 record with a 3.27 ERA.  Former Phillie Ty Wigginton is 5-for-9 (.556 avg) in his career against Hamels. Friday, 7:05 PM.  Jaime Garcia (1-0, 1.86 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (1-2, 7.63 ERA).   In seven career outings against the Phillies, Garcia has a 2-2 record and a 2.00 ERA.  Jimmy Rollins is 1-for-14 (.071 avg) in his career against Garcia.  In six ...

It's not the usual full preview, but here is the pitching match up review for this weekend's Cardinals vs. Phillies series... Friday, 7:05 PM. Kyle Lohse (12-2, 2.79 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (5-6, 4.02 ERA). The right-handed Lohse, a former Phillie, has posted a 6-0 record with a 2.52 ERA in his past 9 starts. In 10 regular season appearances at Citizens Bank Park, Lohse has a 3-1 record with a 3.52 ERA. Ryan Howard is 8-for-16 (.500 avg) with 2 HR in his regular season career against Lohse. Halladay is 1-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 4 starts since the All-Star break. In his lone start against the Cardinals this season, Halladay allowed 4 earned runs in just 2 innings of work. In 41 career regular season appearances at Citizens Bank Park, Halladay sports a 2.51 ERA. Saturday, 7:05 PM. Jake Westbrook (11-8, 3.76 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (2-6, 3.78 ERA). Westbrook is 4-0 with a 3.46 ERA in his last 4 starts. In 10 road starts this season, Westbrook has a 4-5 record with a 3.5...

Last season the St. Louis Cardinals ousted the Philadelphia Phillies from the postseason, en route to a surprising World Series victory.  In the first rematch between the two teams, since that National League Division Series which the Cards won 3-2, the Phillies will visit St. Louis' Busch Stadium to begin a four-game series on Thursday night. Currently, the Cardinals (25-19) have maintained the level of success that took them deep into the October playing schedule last year, as they hold the top spot in the National League Central division, despite losing top slugger Albert Pujols to free agency, following their 2012 title run.  Meanwhile, the Phillies (22-23) have been missing a pair of injured stars, namely Ryan Howard and Chase Utley , and haven't been able to stay atop the NL East division that they have won each of the past five season. Philadelphia currently occupies the bottom spot in the five-team division. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups a...

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Thursday that one fan decided to prove a point to his favorite team's departed star. When news landed that free agent Albert Pujols was leaving the Cardinals to sign a 10-year $254 million contract with the Angels, Paul Russo, who owns a St. Louis based sports apparel chain, decided to give away all remaining merchandise that bared the baseball star's name. According to the article , Russo had recently discontinued ordering Pujols gear, due to the former league most valuable player's uncertainty to return to the club that he helped win the World Series this year. From the Post-Dispatch: Albert Pujols apparel flew off the shelves this morning at the four area Pro Image Sports stores, but only because it was free. Paul Russo, who owns the St. Louis area franchises, said at about 1:30 p.m. that the Chesterfield Mall store had just about given away its entire stock of about 150 shirts and je...

John Denny was a starting pitcher with the Phillies from 1982-1985. The right-hander was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970. He debuted in the Majors in 1974, appearing in 2 games as a reliever. By the following year, at age 22, he was a regular in the Cards' rotation. In 1976, Denny won the National League ERA crown with a 2.52 mark. In the three seasons that followed, Denny notched just one winning record and posted an ERA under 4.50 only once. That sort of up and down production got Denny dealt out of town. After the 1979 season, the Cardinals traded him, along with outfielder Jerry Mumphrey to Cleveland for veteran slugger Bobby Bonds. As a member of the Indian's starting rotation, Denny, tallied a 24-23 record with a 4.15 ERA in 3 seasons. In the final month of the 1982 season, Denny was sent to Philadelphia for pitcher Jerry Reed and two minor leaguers. Following that swap, Denny went without a win in four September starts with the Phillies. ...

Arnold "Bake" McBride patrolled the outfield for the Phillies in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Originally a 37th round draft pick by St. Louis in 1970, McBride, a Missouri native, proved to be a late round steal, as he cruised through the minor leagues, making his big league debut in 1973 and later being named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1974 when he batted .309 with 6 homers, 56 RBI and 30 stolen bases. McBride was acquired by Philadelphia in June 1977, when the Cardinals swapped him and pitcher Steve Waterbury for Rick Bosetti, Tom Underwood and Dane Iorg. The Westminster College multi-sport star (McBride played track and basketball in addition to baseball) proved to be a valuable contributor, as he posted a .339 batting average with 11 HR and 27 steals in 85 games going forward that year, to help the Phillies lock down a second consecutive East Division title. In the years to follow, McBride in right field paired with Garry Maddox in center field...

It happened again. Much like 2010, Ryan Howard failed in the final at bat of the postseason, in Philadelphia, and a visiting club danced on the Citizens Bank Park field. As awful as that scenario is for Phillies fans, the scene was worse this time around as Howard fell to the ground after he dribbled a grounder to second base and exited the batters box. Howard, who is set to start a 5-year/$125 million contract extension in 2012, clutched his lower left leg and was helped off the field by trainers and coaches. The injury, suspected to be a torn achilles tendon, could result in Howard missing the entire 2012 season. Howard will have an MRI on Saturday for official diagnosis on the extent of the issue. The Phillies again came up short in a crucial playoff game, allowing the Cardinals, who bursted into the playoffs with a late season surge, to continue their surprising ascent with a 1-0 victory. From the start in the deciding game 5 of the opening round playoff series, the Cardinals took ...

In the deciding game 5 of the National League Division Series, the Cardinals and the Phillies will send their ace to the mound in hopes of advancing in the playoffs. Chris Carpenter and Roy Halladay were 1st round draft picks by the Toronto Blue Jays that went on to become Cy Young Award winners and the hurler that their teams count at crunch time. Pressure will be on each man to help carry his team to the National League Championship Series, where their squad will face the winner of the Diamondbacks/Brewers series. The Phillies, who entered 2011 as the favorite to represent the National League in the World Series, set a franchise record with 102 wins in the regular season. They could see their dreams crushed much earlier than was anticipated. St. Louis has been the hot club down the stretch, having won 11 of their final 15 regular season games to clinch a playoff berth. Friday, 8:37 PM. Chris Carpenter (0-0, 12.00 ERA in 2011 postseason) vs. Roy Halladay (1-0, 3.37 ERA in 2011 ...

Ben Francisco , who had notched just 1 hit in 20 career postseason plate appearances prior to his pinch hit at bat in game 3 of the National League Division Series, mashed a line drive homerun in the top of the 7th inning to help the Phillies take a 2 games to 1 lead in the best-of-five National League Division Series. The 3-run blast by the man known as " Benny Phresh " provided the Phillies with all the offense they would need, as they downed the Cardinals 3-2. Left-handed hurler Cole Hamels earned the win, as he threw 6 scoreless inning and struck out 8 Cardinals in the process. For Hamels, it was it was his 7th career postseason victory. Veteran reliever Ryan Madson , who has appeared in more postseason games (32) than any other pitcher in Phillies history, allowed a run in 1 2/3 innings but preserved the win and notched a save. The Phillies and Cardinals will face off in game 4 on Wednesday evening at St. Louis' Busch Stadium. ___________________________________...

Tied at 1 game apiece in the best-of-five National League Division Series, the Phillies and Cardinals will battle it out in St. Louis for a chance to go to advance. With lefty Cole Hamels on the mound, set to tie Hall of Famer Steve Carlton for most postseason starts by a pitcher in Phillies history, with 13, the Phillies will face another left-hander, Jaime Garcia in game 3 on Tuesday night. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and other key notes from these two games. Tuesday, 5:07 PM. Cole Hamels (14-9, 2.79 ERA) vs Jaime Garcia (13-7, 3.56 ERA). In 17 road games this season, Hamels posted a 7-3, 2.93 ERA with a .219 batting average against. Hamels has a 2-3 record with a 3.27 ERA in 9 career starts against the Cardinals. Albert Pujols is 4-for-23 (.174 avg) with a double and 2 HR in his career against Hamels. The 2008 World Series MVP, Hamels, has a 6-4 record with a 3.33 ERA in 12 career postseason starts. Garcia posted a 3-0 record with a 2.64 ERA in his ...

For the very first time, two of the original 16 MLB teams will meet in the postseason, as the wild card entrant St. Louis Cardinals travel to Philadelphia to meet the five-time defending National League East division champion Phillies. The Cardinals squeezed into the playoffs thanks, in part, to some help from the Phillies, as Philadelphia swept the wild card leading Braves in their final regular season series. St. Louis then won two of three games against Houston to knock Atlanta from its perch. In the series opener, Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa will send veteran hurler and former Phillie Kyle Lohse to the mound, while the Phillies' Charlie Manuel will go with ace and perennial Cy Young award contender Roy Halladay. Read ahead for detailed info on the pitching match ups for games 1 and 2 as well as other key stats. Saturday, 5:07 PM. Kyle Lohse (14-8, 3.39 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA). In 16 road starts this season, Lohse posted an 8-3 record with a 3.13 ERA. Lohs...

The eight teams in the 2011 Major League Baseball playoffs are officially set and start times for early League Division Series games were announced today, including some preferable slots for the Phillies, who have home field advantage throughout the postseason. Games are set to be broadcast on TBS, unless otherwise specified. TIGERS vs. YANKEES: Game 1- DET @ NYY Friday, 9/30 8:37 EST Game 2- DET @ NYY Saturday, 10/1 8:37 EST Game 3- NYY @ DET Monday, 10/3 8:37 EST Game 4- NYY @ DET Tuesday, 10/4 To be determined Game 5- DET @ NYY Thursday, 10/6 TBD RAYS vs. RANGERS: Game 1- TB @ TEX Friday, 9/30 5:07 EST Game 2- TB @ TEX Saturday, 10/1 7:07 EST (on TNT) Game 3- TEX @ TB Monday, 10/3 5:07 EST Game 4- TEX @ TB Tuesday, 10/4 TBD Game 5- TB @ TEX Thursday, 10/6 TBD PHILLIES vs. CARDINALS: Game 1-STL @ PHI Saturday, 10/1 5:07 EST Game 2- STL @ PHI Sunday, 10/2 8:07 EST Game 3- PHI @ STL Tuesday, 10/4 TBD Game 4- PHI @ STL Wednesday, 10/5 TBD Game 5- STL @ PHI Friday, 10/7 TB...

With the Phillies' magic number to clinch a fifth consecutive National League East Division championship, they'll begin a four-game series with the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Not only are the playoffs ahead, but the Phils, who currently possess the best record in baseball at 97-51, also have home field advantage throughout the playoffs and an all-time franchise single season record for wins in sight. The current Phillies record for wins, 101, was set in 1976, then tied in 1977. The Cardinals, who are 5 1/2 games back in the Central division, will send lefty Jaime Garcia, who has held Philadelphia to a .171 batting average in 5 career appearances, to the mound for the series opener. The Phillies will counter with rookie right-hander Vance Worley, who took a loss for the first time in 15 starts his last time out against the Brewers. St. Louis has won three of five meetings with Philadelphia this season. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups as well as more key sta...

When the Cardinals and Phillies meet in a 3-game series beginning on Tuesday night in St. Louis, it will be a match up of two teams that have held onto the top spot in their respective divisions, despite repeated injuries all season long. The Cardinals (40-33) are in first place in the National League Central, but they are just 1/2 game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. They'll have a difficult time holding onto that lead as baseball's top hitter suffered a fractured wrist on Sunday in a collision with the Royals' Wilson Betemit. Pujols, the 3-time NL Most Valuable Player, is expected to miss up to 6 weeks with the injury. St. Louis has also lost top pitcher Adam Wainwright for the season to an elbow injury. In addition, outfielder Matt Holliday has spent 2 stints on the disabled list. Nick Punto, David Freese, Gerald Laird, Eduardo Sanchez and others are also currently on the DL. The defending NL East champion Phillies (45-28), with Brian Schneider, Joe Blanton and Brad ...

Fresh off a series loss in Atlanta, the Phillies (25-14) still sport the best record in the league and continue their road trip with 2 games in St. Louis against the Cardinals (22-19). This brief series will pit one exceptional offense against one outstanding pitching staff. The Cardinals' offense has been the strength of the club for much of the season, leading the Majors in runs scored (210) and batting average (.284), while the Phillies' highly-regarded pitching staff has the second best ERA in the National League (3.12). Philadelphia and St. Louis each won four of the eight games the teams played against one another last season. Details on the pitching match ups for this series and plenty more statistics lie ahead. Monday, 7:05PM. Cliff Lee (2-3, 3.78 ERA) vs. Jake Westbrook (2-3, 6.92 ERA). In his last 5 starts, Lee is 0-2 with a 3.54 ERA. In 2 career starts against St. Louis, Lee is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA. In 4 road starts this season, Lee has a 1-2 record with a 4.62 ...

After the 1965 season, the Phillies acquired first baseman Bill White from the Cardinals in an effort to solidify a sluggish offense that batted just .250 with a .697 OPS the previous season. In the deal, the Phillies sent catcher Pat Corrales , pitcher Art Mahaffey and outfielder Alex Johnson to St. Louis for White, catcher Bob Uecker and shortstop Dick Groat. White had broken into the Majors at age 22 with the New York Giants in 1956. In his rookie season, White posted solid numbers, batting .256, slugging 22 homers, driving in 56 runs and stealing 15 bases in 138 games. Following the Giants' move to San Francisco, White was traded to St. Louis in a 4-player deal. Bill White went on to be named to the National League All-star team in each of his first three seasons with the Cardinals. In 1962, White began a string of three consecutive seasons in which he accomplished the rare feat of batting over .300 while driving in 100 or more runs, including the 1964 season, when he finis...

Justin Beal is a 24-year-old right-handed relief pitcher currently playing with the Phillies Class A affiliate the Lakewood BlueClaws. Drafted in the 28th round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Missouri Southern State, Beal went 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA in 20 total games with the Gulf Coast Phillies and the Williamsport CrossCutters last season. Prior to his last 2 outings this season, in which Justin allowed 4 earned runs in 5 innings, he had posted a 2.15 ERA in 18 games since being promoted to Lakewood from short season Williamsport in June. In 24 total games between the 2 levels in 2010, Beal has posted a 3-4 record and a 2.77 ERA. I had the opportunity last week to speak Justin about his success this year, his excitement for the playoffs, his family's baseball history and more. Check out the media player below to listen to the full interview. ____________________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter by clicking HERE .

Bill Nicholson was an outfielder with the Phillies from 1949-1953. Nicholson was a power hitting lefty batter whose best years were mostly behind him by the time he became employed by the Phillies. Nicknamed "Swish" because of his free-swinging style, Nicholson became a 5-time all-star in his 10 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He also hit over 20 homers in six different seasons during that same stretch playing with Chicago. Turned down for military service because he was color blind, Nicholson would dine well on war time hurlers. In 1943 and 1944, Nicholson led the National League in homeruns and RBI, finishing second in league MVP voting in 1944, when he also led the league in runs scored with 116 and batted .287. Nicholson fell just 2 voting points short of winning the award, when the Cardinals' Marty Marion took home the honor mainly for his defense, as Marion's offensive numbers (.267 avg., 50 runs, 6 HR, 63 RBI) did not compare to Nicholson's. In that 1944 sea...

Danny Litwhiler was an outfielder with the Phillies from 1940-1943. Signed as a free agent in 1940, the native Pennsylvanian join the Phillies and made his Major League debut that season. Litwhiler quickly proved to be a smart addition for the Phillies, slugging 5 homers and batting .345 and rattling off a 21-game hitting streak in 36 games played that season. The following year, in 1941, Litwhiler's output continued to be solid, as he led the team in homeruns, with 18, and batted .305. In 1942, Litwhiler played much of the 2nd half of the season with an injured shoulder, but still managed to become the first Major Leaguer to play an entire season without making a single error. While the injury did not effect his performance in the field, it resulted in a reduction in power, as his season homerun total was trimmed in half, down to 9. Riding his reputation as the Phillies' premiere slugger from the previous season, Litwhiler made the National League all-star team in 1942. On Jun...

Special to PhoulBallz.com...written by Kelly Bloor and Johnny Bloor Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Had Mr. Franklin lived in his beloved Philadelphia today, he might add one more thing to the list: The national media's neverending stream of negative coverage about Philadelphia sports fans. Philadelphia fans are all too familiar with the Mad Libs-type paragraph that is tacked on to each and every article discussing an incident that took place within a mile radius of Broad and Pattison: "Once again, Philadelphia [Phillies/Eagles/Flyers] fans proved they are among the most [classless/rude/obnoxious] in [MLB/NFL/NHL] as [drunk/unruly/disorderly] fans [fought with/cursed at/spit on] opposing [players/coaches/fans]. Such [reprehensible/boorish/juvenile] behavior is [expected/common/customary] from the league's most [vulgar/uncivil/ill-behaved] fans. After all, these are the same people that [booed San...