Phillies look to even the score in Game 4

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton hasn’t started since September 29th when he allowed just 1 run in 7 innings to the Washington Nationals. Blanton has been doing his side work, but it will be hard for him to regain his game form. The San Francisco Giants are starting to gain momentum, They believe they are the better team, and who are we to tell them otherwise. MLB experts and baseball handicappers had them as HUGE underdogs coming into this match-up, but they have gained a 2-1 lead through timely hitting and a tremendous display of pitching.

The Giants are sending 21 year old Madison Bumgarner to the mound for game 4 against the most lethal line-up in the N.L. Nerves may be a problem for this rookie, but he has more than enough in his left arm to contain the Phillies. A 3.00 earned run average tells the story for this first year starter. He has been tremendous for the Giants down the stretch as he finished with 2 solid wins against the Cubs and Diamondbacks. He threw 12 innings combined and allowed just 1 earned run in the process. Bumgarner only allowed 4 runs or more 3 times in 19 starts this year, and will need to do so on Wednesday as they take on a Philly line-up that has yet to let loose offensively.

Philadelphia has scored just 9 runs in 3 games which is well below their season average. The Giants pitching staff has a lot to do with that. Despite the fact that Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are the leaders of this starting pitching staff, Bumgarner had a lower earned run average than all 3 of them.

None of these games has been decided by offense, as the pitching has dictated the pace since game 1. This game will be the same. Blanton will have to navigate a feisty Giants line-up that seems to make the big hit when it’s needed. Bumgarner has a far greater task as he faces the most well rounded line-up in the National League. Ryan Howard is the only Phillies position player that has made a statement in the NLCS. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez are all batting under .200, and will need to contribute in game 4 if Philadelphia is to tie this series up. Tune in Wednesday as the Giants put their series hopes and a 3-1 lead on the shoulders of a 21 year old starter.

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