Phillies at Astros: September 12th through September 14th

Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX
Monday and Tuesday 8:05, Wednesday 2:05

Phillies 94-49, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Braves
Astros 49-97, 6th Place in the N.L. Central, 36 games behind the Brewers

So Far in 2011:  These two teams opened the 2011 season in early April with the Phillies sweeping the Astros in three games in Philly.  Hunter Pence went 5 for 12 with a home run (off Roy Oswalt) for the Astros.  This is Pence's and Oswalt's first return trip to Houston since they've joined the Phillies.

Meet the Astros: Manager - Brad Mills
Starters - Humberto Quintero (c), Carlos Lee (1b), Jose Altuve (2b), Chris Johnson (3b), Clint Barmes (ss), J.D. Martinez (lf), Jordan Schafer (cf), Jason Bourgeois (rf)
Rotation - Wandy Rodriguez (lhp), Henry Sosa (rhp), Brett Myers (rhp), J.A. Happ (lhp), Bud Norris (rhp)
Bench - Carlos Corporan (c), J.R. Towles (c), Matt Downs (inf), Jimmy Paredes (inf), Angel Sanchez (inf), Brett Wallace (1b), Brian Bogusevic (of), Jason Michaels (of), J.B. Schuck (of)
Closer - Mark Melancon (rhp)
Bullpen - Juan Abreu (rhp), David Carpenter (rhp), Xavier Cedeno (lhp), Enerio Del Rosario (rhp), Lucas Harrell (rhp), Wilton Lopez (rhp), Jordan Lyles (rhp), Lance Pendleton (rhp), Aneury Rodriguez (rhp), Fernando Rodriguez (rhp), Wesley Wright (lhp)
Disabled List - Alberto Arias (rhp), Sergio Escalona (lhp), Brandon Lyon (rhp), Jason Castro (c)

The Astros are clearly taking advantage of the expanded rosters, with 33 active players available for game-action.

At the Ballpark:  All fans will receive a mini U.S. flag upon entering Minute Maid Park tonight.  Wednesday afternoon is Roberto Clemente Day at the ballpark.

Phillies Probables: Roy Oswalt (7-8, 3.72), Cole Hamels (14-7, 2.60), Roy Halladay (17-5, 2.44)
Astros Probables: Brett Myers (4-13, 4.66), J.A. Happ (5-15, 5.77), Bud Norris (6-9, 3.78)