Gameday: Phillies (11-12) at Braves (14-9)
Posted by Ryan Dinger, Tue, May 01, 2012 06:09 PM | Comments: 25
2012 Game Recaps, News, Posts
Philadelphia Phillies (11-12) at Atlanta Braves (14-9)
Cole Hamels (3-1, 2.73) vs. Brandon Beachy (2-1, 1.05)
Time: 7:10 PM, Turner Field
TV: The Comcast Network
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 63
Media: Twitter and Facebook
As we turn the page on our calendars, the Phillies close the book on what was one of the most frustrating months in the team’s recent history. Besieged by injuries and overcome with an overall offensive malaise, the Phillies finished April at 11-12. It marks the first time they had a losing month since June of 2009, and the first time they had a losing April since 2007. With a month to forget firmly in the rearview mirror, the Phils now set their sights on May. They’ll kickoff a crucial early season stretch of games against teams currently sitting atop the National League East tonight when they renew their rivalry with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.
On the hill will be the youngest of the Phillies trio of aces, left-hander Cole Hamels. So far this season, Hamels has pitched like a man who wants to get paid. While his ERA sits at a sparkling 2.73, Hamels’ peripherals suggest that it could be even lower, if not for some bad luck (his BABIP is currently .333). More impressive, the 10.25 K/BB ratio Hamels currently sports is by far the best of his career. In his last start, Hamels toyed with the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs over eight innings. At one point, he retired 18 in a row. He’s been locked in so far this year, and there’s no reason to suspect things will be any different tonight.
Opposing Hamels for the Braves will be Brandon Beachy. After a respectable 2011, the 2012 version of Beachy is beginning to resemble the man who garnered so much hype as a prospect. His 1.05 ERA is currently the second best in baseball among eligible pitchers, behind only Joe Saunders. He’s allowed just three runs over 25.2 innings of work this season. For a Phillies offense that has struggled, Beachy represents a daunting task. However, the Phils have had some success against him in the past. Via Braves beat writer David O’Brien’s twitter account, @ajcbraves:
“Brandon Beachy is 0-3 with a 3.94 ERA in 6 starts vs. Phillies, and 9-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 26 starts vs. everyone else.”
Along with that, Phils fans can take solace in the fact that there is no way Beachy can sustain pitching at this level; he’ll have to come back to earth at some point. That night could be tonight.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Wigginton 1B, Nix LF, Ruiz C, Galvis 2B, Hamels P.
Your gameday beer: 
Blue Moon
Tonight’s beer selection comes to us from twitter follower, @Donnavox, but I have to say I’m right there with her on this one. Blue Moon is a Belgian White beer brewed with malted barley and white wheat. It has a hint of orange flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Like the picture shows, it goes great with an orange slice on the rim. Have it with a chicken caesar wrap and a side of crab fries. – By RD
GO PHILLIES
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Hmn… I’m beginning to think the reason we don’t see anybody around here any more is that damned advertisement with screaming kids every time you open a page, and now way to turn off the audio until it has already started every time you open the page.
Posted: 06:35 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 Jay from Leonardtown
No screaming kids on the mobile version. The only screaming kids here are the live ones in the same room.
Posted: 07:01 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 A.T.
This series may determine the course of how the phillies are going to do against the NL East for the year and….
Check out:
http://thebigphillydogblog.blogspot.com/
Posted: 07:59 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
Same here Tracey – anyone paying attention? It’s annoying I am always turning my audio off since it cannot be controlled.
Hamels seems sharp but he has thrown 90 pitches already. If he continues, expect 7 innings at best – and how could you ask for more?
Posted: 08:39 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Yeah, and Hamels needs more than one run’s support
Posted: 08:42 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
As Pat said the other day, as Jimmy goes so go the Phillies. The question is does he have enough left to make an impact? For instance now a steal would be in order – doh! fail!
Posted: 08:43 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Eep! A good thought, though
Posted: 08:44 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
bleh – it appears that Cole is starting to gasp
Posted: 08:49 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
I have always disliked Ugla, a lot
Posted: 08:50 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Ugh…
Posted: 08:53 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
Cole needs to get out of this comon’ Hollywood!
Posted: 08:53 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
You know what, I am just going to keep my fat mouth shut! Jeezz…
Posted: 08:53 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
sigh… Hamels is running on fumes…
Posted: 08:55 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
well, they came back from a tie last night… LET’S GO PHILS!!!
Posted: 08:56 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Missed it by that much…
Posted: 09:01 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
OK, Chooch, time to be a hero!
Posted: 09:03 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 joe444
Um …
Why didn’t polanco run to first on that wild pitch?
Posted: 09:23 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 schmenkman
Couldn’t. It was technically occupied.
Posted: 09:40 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 3567 Lefty
I’d like to think we could find a better set up man than Qualls.
YEEEESH!
Posted: 09:45 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
It seems that one of the Phils players, when on first base, ALWAYS went from first to third on a single to the outfield. Anyone guess who that is?
Posted: 09:49 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
Tracey, Lefty I know you know who I am talking about. It was near automatic that Chase would wind up on third base.
We just dont see that kind of running anylonger
Posted: 09:53 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
YES!!!
Posted: 09:56 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
I was beginning to think that AB would never end! :)
Posted: 09:57 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 549 \"Big Ed\" Delahanty
Maybe…just maybe…we could start to be hitting a groove. (knocking on wood)
Posted: 10:14 PM on May 1, 2012
Posts: 0 brooks
It would be nice to see some occasional lumber. The Phils are on pace to hit all of 98 hrs for the year – we know there will be more but this is rediculous
Posted: 10:19 PM on May 1, 2012