Gameday: Phillies (45-54) at Braves (54-44)
Posted by Jonathan Nisula, Fri, July 27, 2012 06:35 PM | Comments: 63
2012 Gameday, Posts
Philadelphia Phillies (45-54) at Atlanta Braves (54-44)
Cole Hamels (11-4, 3.23 ERA) vs. Ben Sheets (2-0, 0.00 ERA)
Time: 7:35, Turner Field
TV: CSN
Weather: Upper 70′s chance of rain, t-storms
Media: Twitter and Facebook
The Phillies take on the division-rival Braves tonight in Atlanta, the first of three they will play at Turner Field this weekend. The Braves are 9.5 games ahead of the Phillies in the standings, and 5 games back of the division-leading Nationals. At this point, the Phillies–who have less than a 1% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN–could really only hope to play spoilers for the Braves, barring something drastic.
Cole Hamels, who just signed an extension with the Phillies, will take the mound tonight for the first time with his new contract. So far this year, he’s posted an 11-4 record to go along with a 3.23 ERA. He isn’t having his best year, but for the most part, he is getting the job done.
Opposing him will be Ben Sheets, a guy that the Braves signed with minimal expectations, but who has also been quite good for them so far. In his two starts, he has pitched a total of 12 innings, given up just seven hits–and no runs. However, the deciding factor in the game may lie in the hands of Brian McCann, who is hitting .364 against the Phillies this year, to go along with five home runs and 13 runs batted in. If Hamels can shut him down–and that is likely considering that McCann has just three hits in his last 21 at-bats against him–along with the other big lefties in the Braves lineup, the Phils may be able to scratch off a few runs and win the game.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Ruiz C, Pence RF, Pierre LF, Fontenot 3B, Hamels P.
Your gameday beer: Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer in a Can
Hell or High Watermelon Wheat is a summer seasonal beer available from April through September by 21st Amendment, and can be yours in six pack cans and on draft. It’s an American wheat beer, which undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation using fresh watermelon, ending in a straw-colored, refreshing beer with a kiss of watermelon aroma and flavor. Haven’t had it yet, but I’ve heard different reviews. If you’re feeling frisky, try it out on another hot, hot day. -Pat Gallen
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
“At this point, the Phillies–who have less than a 1% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN”
This is probably overkill analysis, but it’s interesting to think of the types of mindsets that would include that in their thinking, and those that wouldn’t.
An NL GM said in the past few days that in his view, if the Phillies get within 5 games on September 1st, he thinks they will get in.
Different match classes, no doubt.
Posted: 06:45 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1079 EricL
Yeah, they have something like a 0.8% chance of making the playoffs. The smart move is to sell the pieces you have that won’t be back after this season, get something for them, and look to next year. Of course, Ruben doesn’t always make the “smart moves.”
Posted: 07:03 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 CCD
Anyone notice the oddity of the last three games won? 76 76 76. Omen?
Posted: 07:06 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
@CCD: Yup, I was going to ask if anybody else noticed that historically-apt outcome! I just hope they win more than 76 games this year!
Posted: 07:17 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
I like the early strategy, going right after Sheets. He’s a composed veteran, but taking it right to him already gives him something to think about he didn’t run into V the mets or nats.
Good, aggressive start.
Posted: 07:40 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
Meaning mostly not playing for 1 run by sacrificing, but they were 0-2 w/ RISP.
Posted: 07:46 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Apparently Jimmy and Shane read Ians previous post.
Getting on base is the key to this teams success and the key to anyone pitching to Howard is junk, junk and more junk
Posted: 07:42 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 c schreiber
When is Howard going to learn how to punch those pitches on the outside of the plate (that gets him out) away from the shift, to the left side of the infield. He’d hit .400 if he could learn how and then they’d stop putting that shift on him. He is a professional hitter, isn’t he??
Posted: 04:41 PM on July 28, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
1-2-3! Nice to see that the big deal didn’t make Cole complacent!
Posted: 07:50 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
First pitch swinging – if it works its great if it doesn’t it sucks
Posted: 07:54 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
Could have a pretty good idea about just how om Cole is after this inning. Couple tough at bats between Chipper and McCann.
Posted: 07:58 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Rats. Yhere goes the no-hitter
Posted: 07:58 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
19 pitch first inning for Sheets, 8 pitch second inning
Posted: 08:00 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
HA!!! Gotcha!!!
Posted: 08:00 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Choochie has just been amazing
Posted: 08:01 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Good to see McAnn go down so easily. Everyone needs to remember every time this Phillie killer comes to bat, he has hit 2 GS vs us and is probably hitting .900 vs the Phils
Posted: 08:03 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
2 walks in the inning. What are we in for?
Posted: 08:04 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Yikes… maybe I spoke too soon…
Posted: 08:05 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Good lord
Posted: 08:05 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Cole normally gives up less than 2 walks per 9 innings. Rich man.
Posted: 08:06 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
WTF???
Posted: 08:07 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
WTF are you kidding me?????????????????//
First Doc smells up the joint, then Lee stinks it up now Cole continues with the much vaunted pitching crap – this is stupid.
Posted: 08:07 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
where is baby jeffy, need some real negativity here
Posted: 08:08 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
WHEW!!
Posted: 08:10 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
What is going on with Cole tonight?
Posted: 08:27 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
Fact of life, as opposed to excuse, Cole threw 128 pitches last Saturday, does have an extra day of rest, but that was laborsome, and it is hot and humid. So it’s a little difficult.
That said,I anticipated a killer performance tonight, but no reason he can’t keep grinding and keep it competitive.
But no A game tonight.
Posted: 08:28 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Whew! got out of another tight spot.
Posted: 08:28 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
@Ken: Yeah, I noticed he looked overhreated.
Posted: 08:30 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Ryan knows there is nothing but junk coming his way, he has to know
Posted: 08:32 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 psujoe
Nice haul for Grienke. 3 top 8 Angels prospects including their #1 ss Segura and 2 23 year old AA righties.
Posted: 08:32 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
It’d fit within the theme of craziness in baseball this year if Greinke, a massively expensive acquisition matched up in a World Series game with Ben Sheets, the signing of the year. It’s only his 3rd start, but this guy’s been to the top, so he should know how to get back there.
And 3 starts in, he’s doing it so far.
Nice haul, but I’ll take the Angels picking him up as greatness. Helluva place to live and play. Might have an inside track on a long term deal.
Posted: 09:12 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 c schreiber
In case you gentlemen don’t remember, the Phils went to Sheets workout and for some reason didn’t make an offer for him. Nice job, scouts and Rube.
Posted: 04:44 PM on July 28, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Owned
Posted: 08:32 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Paul Janish. .184 hitter this year and Cole is wisely keeping the ball away from him. 2 walks for Janish
Anybody know what Coles single game high for walks is? Has he broken it already?
Posted: 08:41 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
tied it tonight at 5.
Per Braves TV.
Let’s see if Fontenot can get some redemption going to kick things off. Good clubs have players who forget mistakes.
Posted: 08:47 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
I kinda like the WHIP stat, but it’s funny how it works. Cole’s walked 5, but only given up 2 hits, so his WHIP’s gone up tonight so far, but not commensurate with his off he’s been so far.
But, you pitch to the score, and it’s a ballgame.
Posted: 08:54 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Jamie Moyer always seemed to go against the grain with WHIP. More hits than innings pitched, and he nibbled the corners so much, he usually walked 2 to 4 batters. Yet he found a way to win.
Posted: 08:57 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Wow, I blinked and another walk, this one on 4 pitches.
Posted: 08:58 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
that stinking McAnn is on deck
Posted: 08:58 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
Cole is just about to go over 100 pitches in 5 innings. If he lets in 2 runs, is he gone tonight – its just not there tonight or the last outting
Posted: 09:00 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
crap crap crap
Posted: 09:02 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 1998 Brooks
And there you have it, McAnn did not wait for the bases to be loaded -
Posted: 09:02 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 550 \"Big Ed\" Delahanty
I said the last time the Phillies played the Btaves that Chipper handed over the Phillies killer helm to hideous McCann. Who knew he’d be a juggernaut with it? You’re a tool McCann. Hey Rich Dubee, any idea WTF is up with the starting rotation? Sheesh. Do we have yet another comeback in us? We should be clobbering Sheets, his scoreless streak is just a facade.
Posted: 09:14 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Oh baby!!!
Posted: 09:15 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Argh. Well, they made Sheets work. 9 pitches to Pence; 7 more to Pierre.
Posted: 09:19 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 550 \"Big Ed\" Delahanty
Mayberry been working on his outfield skills with Pence? Jesus!
Posted: 09:26 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Andrew From Waldorf
Cant make up ground with fielding like this.
Period.
Posted: 09:28 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
crap… well, now we’re positioned to get another 7-6 come from behind win. :^}
Posted: 09:28 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
CRAP!!!
Posted: 09:47 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Jeff
Mr clutch howard the big welfare
Posted: 09:48 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
Last I heard, RyHo is engaged to an ex, or current Eagles cheerleader.
This will probably be bigamy.
He’s already married to low and away.
He takes a bunch of pitches, giving him whatever chance he has against Venters, and then finally swings.
At a pitch that was headed for Pensauken.
Posted: 09:50 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 550 \"Big Ed\" Delahanty
C’mon Howard. For god sakes. Just make contact! Grrrrrrr!!!!!!!
Posted: 09:50 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Double Trouble Del
This team needs to wait until next year. No trades will make this team better just relieve salary. Give Halladay the rest of the year off to let his arm rest or at least keep him to a strict pitch count. Limit the number of pitches Lee throws. Give Ruiz some days off too. RAJ is going to have to play some money ball with the tiny little bit of money he’s got left to fill CF, LF, 3rd, Blanton’s spot. We need to be thinking about 2013.
Posted: 10:00 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Double Trouble Del
No room at the inn for Chad Durbin???
Posted: 10:04 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 2042 Tracey
Hmn… well, they’ve made some amazing come-backs lately, so I haven’t entirely thrown in the towel on this game, but I’m not counting on anything…
Posted: 10:13 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 0 Ken Bland
I think I’d prefer scoring 6 runs here in the 9th. Scoring 5 and fretting a tie game in the bottom of the 9th just has no appeal.
So let’s get 6. Then it’s safe to use the closer since federal law prohibits using the closer on the road unless its a save ordeal.
Posted: 10:13 PM on July 27, 2012
Posts: 550 \"Big Ed\" Delahanty
No comeback tonight. Braves made the Phillies look like little leaguers tonight. Man, I despise the Braves.
Posted: 10:17 PM on July 27, 2012