April 17, 2008
PHILS-ASTROS GAME PREVIEW: GAME 3
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PHI: RHP Brett Myers (1-1, 5.00 ERA)
In his last start, Myers looked as comfortable as he’s been since his return to the starting rotation. He allowed three runs over eight innings while striking out five and walking none to earn his first win of the season by beating the Cubs. In six lifetime starts against Houston, Myers is 2-2 with a 5.59 ERA. Myers’ most recent start against the Astros was his final one of 2007, before shifting to closer.

HOU: RHP Brandon Backe (1-1, 2.25 ERA)
Backe teamed up with three relievers in a combined nine-hit shutout of the Marlins in his last start on April 12, the righty’s first victory since Sept. 29, 2007. He needed 105 pitches, including just 58 strikes, to get through five innings in a performance that he called “effectively wild.” His defense bailed him out on several occasions as the Marlins stranded 14 baserunners. Backe will need to have better command against a dangerous Philadelphia lineup.
Once again, for the 5th time, the Phils will try to hit .500…again. Last night’s game was a tough one to swallow considering Michael Bourn hit the home run that ended up winning it for the Astros and the offense couldn’t get going. The game today starts at 1:05pm and unfortunately I will be at work so that means I will have to check play-by-play on my phone. Now for anyone who ahs never done this it takes forever to update and is really annoying. here is an example of yesterday’s game’s play-by-play:
See? Not fun. Anyway tonight I will recap tonight’s game which will hopefully end in a Philly victory. I am not as confident tonight for some reason but hopefully my hesitation proves to be needless as Myers throws a complete game giving up 1 ER and the offense pounds Brandon Backe and then Geoff Geary for 10 runs and Lidge comes in and strikes out the side just for fun.

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