Phillies-Cards game notes: Oswalt vs. Carpenter

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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Posted: 12:30 p.m.

CSNPhilly.com
Phillies (47-28) at Cardinals (40-35), 8:15 p.m. on WPHL
Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Roy Oswalt (4-5, 3.38) has struggled somewhat since coming back from the disabled list in mid-May. He also hasn't struck out more than five batters in any start since April 21. In addition, Oswalt has gone 0-3 in his last seven games against the Cardinals, dating to Aug. 29, 2007.

Cardinals: Chris Carpenter (1-7, 4.47) has not won in his last seven starts since beating the Cubs on May 10. The former Cy Young winner gave up five runs in eight innings Friday against Kansas City to lose his fifth straight decision. For his career, Carpenter is 5-2 in nine starts against the Phils, though his ERA against them is 5.08.
Previous games
The Phillies opened this series with a 10-2 victory on Tuesday night and then posted a 4-0 win on Wednesday. Cliff Lee twirled a six-hitter, while Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard homered for the Phils.

The loss for the Cardinals was their ninth in 11 games.
Head-to-head
The Cardinals took both games from the Phillies, outscoring Philadelphia 5-2 during the mid-May short series between the two clubs. After this three-game series, the teams will meet again in Philadelphia from Sept. 16-19.

Whos hot?
Howard has at least one hit in 10 of his last 11 games, while Carlos Ruiz is 5-for-7 in the first two games of this series. Shane Victorino has scored at least one run in 15 of his 19 games this month. ... For St. Louis, Ryan Theriot is batting .400 (8-for-20) over his last six games.

Storylines
Can Oswalt get back on track? His lack of velocity on his fastball is becoming an issue, as are his strikeout numbers. ... The Phillies' offense, despite scoring 14 runs in the first two games of this series, still has a ways to go to get back on track. ... Rollins is 4-for-21 career against Carpenter, while Howard is 1-for-6 against the righty. Of course, Howard has terrific career numbers at Busch Stadium (.374 with nine homers and 25 RBIs).
Sound off
If everyone was healthy and rested, which Phillies pitcher would you want starting in Game 7 of the World Series if it was being played tonight?

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