You couldn't ask for batter matchups to end the two big series of the weekend. In Florida, Cole Hamels takes on Dontrelle Willis while Jeremy Bonderman faces Johan Santana in Minnesota.

Hamels is on a roll. Since the start of August he's posted a 2.40 ERA, striking out 9.0 per nine innings while walking just 1.2 per nine. He's allowed 2 earned runs or less in seven of the eight starts. The Marlins, needing a win to stay even with the Phillies, send the player who should be their veteran ace to the mound. But Willis pitched poorly against the Phillies twice this year, otherwise the Marlins might be the chased.

What's keeping Jeremy Bonderman away from greatness is his weakness against lefties. The Twins provide plenty of hitters to exploit this, as Bonderman is 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA against Minnesota in three starts this season. And if you want someone great down the stretch look no further than Johan Santana. Take a look at his opposition batting stats by month. From August on he's allowed a .198 BA, a .252 OBA and a .303 slugging percentage.

The third big pennant race game is out in San Francisco as Woody Williams challenges Brad Hennessey. Brad's done a good job against western opponents this season, picking up four of his five wins in the division. Williams and Hennessey share one strength. They both are better at retiring lefties than righties.

And in a game that has more award ramifications than playoff importance, the Blue Jays send Roy Halladay to the mound to face Jered Weaver and the Angels. Roy's handled the Angels well this season, holding them to 12 hits while striking out 13 in 16 innings of work. Weaver's given up more home runs lately (7 or his 9 came since the all-star break), but he's still allowed just one in Anaheim.

Enjoy!