Open Thread 8/14: Phillies at Braves

This is what it's all about, head to head matchups with the teams above you in the standings. This weekend's three game set against division leader Philadelphia will go a long way in determining whether or not the Braves find themselves playing in October.

Starting for the Braves tonight is their young star Jair Jurrjens, who comes in with a record of 9-8 and a 3.01 ERA. His last two starts, both against the Dodgers, were less than stellar, allowing 8 runs over 9.2 innings combined, but he has been a consistent and sucessful part of the Braves rotation all season. Hopefully, he'll be able to keep the Phillies' offense in check, as the Braves' offense seems to fall short more often than not when he's on the mound.

Opposing Jurrjens for the Phils is Joe Blanton, who comes in with a 7-6 record and a 4.02 ERA. Blanton has been pitching well lately, dropping his ERA a full run over his last 6 starts, though he, like Jurrjens, has been a victim of poor support, losing each of his last two starts despite allowing only 5 runs over 13.2 innings.

The Braves have won 5 games in a row, but haven't managed to gain much groung on Philadelphia, as the Phillies have won their last 3. One of those streaks will end tonight. Additionally, the Rockies, who lead the Wild Card standings, are playing the Marlins, who are fighting right alongside the Braves to pick up ground in both the Eastern Division and the Wild Card, so hopefully those two can beat up on each other and allow the Braves to gain ground from all angles.