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Howard ready to face tough lefty relievers

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By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

10/16/09 8:36 AM EST

LOS ANGELES -- It seems unlikely that Joe Torre will make the same mistake.

Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy has taken heat for not using left-hander Joe Beimel against Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard with two outs in the top of the ninth inning Monday in Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Coors Field. Tracy stuck with closer Huston Street, and Howard doubled to right field to score two runs to tie the game. The Phillies took the lead one batter later when Jayson Werth singled to score Howard from second.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

The Dodgers are likely to run three left-handed relief pitchers against Howard in the National League Championship Series -- George Sherrill, Hong-Chih Kuo and Scott Elbert -- and Howard's success against them could help define the series.

"Those are the matchups that you have to face," Howard said. "Sherrill and Kuo are very, very good. Hopefully, we can try to work good ABs against them. If it comes to that, we'll see what happens."

Howard is not the only left-hander the Dodgers have to worry about. They also have to worry about Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, but Utley and Ibanez have had better success against left-handers this season. Howard hit .319 with 39 homers, 108 RBIs, a .395 on-base percentage and a .691 slugging percentage in 395 at-bats against right-handers this season. He hit just .207 with six homers, 33 RBIs, a .298 on-base percentage and a .653 slugging percentage in 222 at-bats against left-handers.

"It's pitch selection," Howard said. "It's just trying to get good pitches to hit."

Howard is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his career against Kuo. He has never faced Sherrill or Elbert, who has struck out 14 of 36 left-handers he has faced this season.

"The regular season is behind us," Howard said. "All I'm focused on is what's going on right now."

Howard hit .375 (6-for-16) with three doubles and six RBIs in the NLDS. He has hit .288 with four homers and 16 RBIs in 21 career playoff games. As the Phillies entered the dugout in the ninth inning Monday, Howard showed he is not afraid of the big moment.

"Give me a shot," Howard told his teammates. "Get me up."

They got him up and he delivered against the righty Street. In the NLCS, it likely will be Howard against Kuo, Sherrill or Elbert.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.