Since Hunter Pence was acquired by the Phillies at the trading deadline, he has batted third, fourth and fifth in Philadelphia’s power-laden lineup. Manager Charlie Manuel appears to have settled on Pence in the No. 3 spot; tonight’s lineup against the Cardinals’ Chris Carpenter is identical to the lineup that pounded St. Louis pitching in Game 1:
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Chase Utley 2B
3. Hunter Pence RF
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Shane Victorino CF
6. Raul Ibanez LF
7. Placido Polanco 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Cliff Lee P
Carpenter is going on short rest, having thrown a two-hit shutout on the last day of the regular season on Wednesday against the Astros to help propel the Cardinals into the playoffs. This game could turn into a pitcher’s duel; Carpenter faced the Phillies twice during the regular season and defeated them twice, allowing just one run in 15 innings, issuing just two walks and striking out 12.