Tough pitching match-ups against Phils

The Astros managed to hold off the Cardinals last week and make sure they didn’t clinch the National League Central at Minute Maid Park. Now, the Phillies enter a four-game series against the Astros which begins tonight Philadelphia with a magic number of three.

Houston doesn’t much to play for the in the final week, so making it difficult for Philadelphia to clinch a playoff spot is about as exciting as it gets for the Astros. But based on the pitching match-ups, I don’t like the Astros’ chances.

Monday — Yorman Bazardo (0-2, 9.55 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (10-9, 4.11 ERA)

Tuesday – Wilton Lopez (0-0, 10.38 ERA) vs. J.A. Happ (11-4, 2.79 ERA)

Wednesday — Brian Moehler (8-11 , 5.21 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (7-3, 3.28 ERA)

Thursday — Felipe Paulino (2-11, 6.51 ERA) vs. Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.32 ERA