Game One Hundred Thirty-Four: Cubs (83-50) vs. Phillies (73-60)
Game Time - 7:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: WGN - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Ryan Dempster (15-5, 2.85/1.17) vs. Cole Hamels (11-8, 3.20/1.04)

The stretch run of the 2008 season begins tonight with the first of four against one of the hottest teams in the National League....the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite losing the finale of the series against the Mets on Wednesday night, the Phillies are 8-2 in their last 10. The Cubs and the Phillies will send their four best starters to the mound during this series, but tonight it is Ryan Dempster against Cole Hamels.

The Phillies won two of three against the Cubs in Philly back in April (11th - 13th) on the Cubs first road trip of the season. And the Cubs will be looking to repay the favor. The Phillies are the only team in the National League with a winning record against the Cubs this season....26 of the Cubs final 29 games will be against team's with a record of .500 or better.

There are several keys to attempting to beat the Phillies. One...keep Jimmy Rollins in check. Two...do not allow Shane Victorino to jump-start the offense. Three...do not help their potent offense. In other words, make 'em earn it and keep the free passes to a minimum. And finally, score early and keep tacking on. The Phillies have the offense to come back at will and if they are ahead in the 9th, well....Brad Lidge has not blown a save all season.

The Cubs and Phillies will be one of three games around the league to feature instant replay for the first time tonight....and the rest of the league will have the new technology on Friday. And as fate would have it, Wrigley Field will be the first park in the Senior Circuit to use instant replay in an official game.

Fasten Those Seatbelts....