Phillies Nation

New York Mets (62-79) at Philadelphia Phillies (80-59)

Mike Pelfrey (10-10, 4.83 ERA) vs. Jamie Moyer (12-9, 4.98 ERA)

Time: 4:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Cloudy, 68
TV:  FOX

With tomorrow’s double header and J.A Happ’s oblique injury, Jamie Moyer will make his 23rd start of the year.  On Monday, the crafty veteran filled in for Happ nicely, despite the short notice.  Since his bullpen demotion, Moyer is 2-0 with a 1.41 ERA.  However, Moyer is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in 20 innings against the Mets this season.  Mets hitters have batted .342 against the lefty.

Moyer will be opposed by Mike Pelfrey.  Pelfrey is 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA in four starts against the Phillies this season.  Ryan Howard is batting .400 with a home run in his career against Pelfrey.  Chase Utley has a .300 average and three homers off Pelfrey.

The Mets’ elimination number is four.  The Phillies can officially eliminate the Mets from the division this weekend.

Your Gameday Beer- Drake’s Barrel Aged Olde Ale
Like a fine wine and Jamie Moyer, certain beers get better with age. This offering from Drakes is no exception, though it needs only 3 or 4 years in a brandy barrel to reach full maturation. In this amber-colored beer hops take a backseat to the woody apple, cherry taste. It is bottled in 6 oz. ponies but that’s really all you need when the beer weighs in at 10.24% ABV. Have it along side a light snack of apple slices and gouda. – By Brian

Go Phillies!

New York Mets (62-78) at Philadelphia Phillies (79-59)

Cole Hamels(8-9, 4.32 ERA) vs. Nelson Figueroa(2-4, 4.74 ERA)

Time: 7:05 at Citizens Bank Park

Weather: 66 Degrees, Rain

TV: MyPHL 17

“From the cradle of liberty, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Do we have closure? No. No, the heinous acts of terrorism last Tuesday will be with us as long as we shall live.”  -Harry Kalas

It was eight years ago today that the meaning of life was put into perspective for people all across America. As Major League Baseball decided to suspend its games in wake of the terror attacks against our great country, we realized that baseball is just that, a game.

When baseball resumed that weekend, it had a whole new meaning and importance than the week before. Baseball crossed over from a just a game, to a distraction from the rigors of what can sometimes be a brutal life. Baseball became the beginning of a healing process that still takes place eight years later. It became our collective defiance as a country. It was America’s proclamation that, “You may have knocked us down, but we as a people will ALWAYS rise again.”

Coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Nationals last night, the Phillies look to get back on track against the New York Mets. The Phillies bats finally woke up and showed signs of legitimate life for the first time in a week, but it was too little too late for Phils as their bid for a ninth inning comeback was dashed.

With the Marlins starting to breath down the Phillies necks, the Phillies need a productive weekend against the Mets. But don’t expect the Mets to just lay down and die.

Sure, they have been riddled with injuries to half of their starting line-up and have a AAA squad taking the field, but remember, these minor leaguers are playing for a paycheck in 2010 and beating the Phillies and making their postseason lives miserable, would be a nice notch on their belt.

Your Gameday Beer – Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
It’s a little chilly, right? Time for a beer you can snuggle up to, Black Chocolate Stout by the Brooklyn Brewery (famous for its lager). As the title implies, it’s a dark sweet brew. The chocolate flavor is nearly matched by the coffee, vanilla, toffee and roasted malt undertones but is certainly the centerpiece in the 10.6% stout. This dessert beer is heavy enough, so have it in place of coffee after dinner along with a biscuit of some sort. – By Brian
Go Phillies!

Philadelphia Phillies (79-58) at Washington Nationals (47-92)

Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.80 ERA) vs. Livan Hernandez (7-10, 5.44 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Nationals Park
Weather: Cloudy and Windy, 65
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

What cures all that ails?  How about the Washington Nationals.  The Philles took the trip to D.C. having been swept by the Astros in Houston.  The Nats are giving the Phils something to smile about again, even after two close games.

Pedro Martinez and Cliff Lee have each walked away with wins to start the series, and Joe Blanton goes for the turnaround sweep tonight.  The bad news here is that Blanton has not fared well in the Nation’s Capital, going 0-1 in three career games, with an ERA north of six.  The good news is that Blanton has been superb for two straight months. He hasn’t given up more than three earned in a game since June 18.  Opposing him is rubber-armed Livan Hernandez.  The hefty righty is 10-9 against the Phils in his career, sporting a 3.67 ERA.

Last night, the longballs kept coming for the Phillies, as they smacked two more solo shots thanks to Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz.  They went back-to-back in the 8th inning, giving the team the support it needed en route to the 6-5 win.  With those two solo homers, the Phillies have now hit 15 straight home runs without men on base, a crazy stat when you think about how often the Phils have players on base.

Ryan Madson came on for his sixth save of the season.  Noticeably absent was Brad Lidge.  Charlie Manuel said today that he wants to put Lidge in a situation where he can succeed. “If we’re behind in the game or we’re ahead or something by a good margin we’ll get him to make sure he pitches live in the game and things,” Manuel said.  “That’s kind of how I look at it.”

Tonight’s Lineup: Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Werth (RF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Blanton (P).

Your Gameday Beer – Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier
It’s not quite October, but we’re breaking out the Oktoberfestbier for tonight’s tailgate party in Lot W. This refreshing brew hails from one of Germany’s largest brewers, affectionately known as HB. It’s a break from all the recent IPAs – there are barely any hop flavors in this one, just smooth pale malts and earthy yeast. We’re grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, so I suggest you do the same. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (78-58) at Washington Nationals (47-91)

Cliff Lee (12-11, 3.06 ERA) vs. Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.63 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Nationals Park
Weather: Mostly Cloudy and Windy, 76
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

It’s a perfect date for baseball: 9/9/09.  Nine innings. Nine men on the field.  Who knows, maybe Miguel Cairo (#9) will come up clutch off the bench.

Cliff Lee would like to get all 27 outs, something he has done twice in a Phillies uniform.  Lee’s first five starts raised his expectations through the roof.  However, he has been roughed up in his last two starts, allowing 12 runs in eight innings.  Lee has a chance to rebound against the NL East bottom-feeders.

Going for the Nationals tonight, will be Garrett Mock.  In five innings in relief, Mock has allowed five earned runs against the Phillies this season.

Last night, Brad Lidge almost blew another save.  Charlie Manuel said that he was going to stick to his closer, but if the Phillies are in another save situation, we may or may not see Lidge.  Todd Zolecki tweets: “Manuel said it’s not 100 percent that Lidge will close in team’s next save situation. Could be anybody. Madson. Myers. Whomever.”

“I’ll just go with how I feel,” Manuel said, regarding who will close.

Note:  12 years ago today, Richie Ashburn passed away.  RIP, Whitey and Harry.

Tonight’s Lineup: Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Werth (RF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Bako (C)/ Lee (P).

Your Gameday Beer – Ocean Single Hop Amber
Tonight’s beer is a Swedish take on an American Amber. It is brewed by Oceanbryggeriet, which I assume means Ocean Brewery in the native language. Absent much aroma, the taste is bitter with a roasted malt background and just a touch of coffee/caramel sweetness. Though not an overly complicated beer, it is not well-balanced either. Try it for the sake of trying something new and you might as well have venison with lingonberry sauce for the full effect. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (77-57) at Houston Astros (66-70)

J.A Happ (10-4, 2.77 ERA) Jamie Moyer (12-9, 5.07 ERA) vs. Brian Moehler (8-10, 5.11 ERA)

Time: 2:05 p.m at Minute Maid Park
Weather: Fair, 77
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Happy Labor Day!  The Phillies offense has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks so today would be a good day for them to get back to work.  The Astros are on the verge of sweeping the four game series.

J.A Happ can’t seem to win his eleventh game, and it’s unlikely he’ll get it today.  He’s been scratched with mild right oblique strain, so Jamie Moyer will get his first start since being relegated to the bullpen.

Brian Moehler takes the hill for the Astros and has lost five of his last six decisions.  He has struggled against the Phillies throughout his career (11 G, 7 S, 2-3, 6.38 ERA).  The lineup collectively has good numbers against Moehler:  Ryan Howard- .471, 2 HR; Chase Utley- .412, 2 HR; Jimmy Rollins- .250, 2 HR; Shane Victorino- .545 (though it is unlikely he’ll play today as he nurses a bum knee).

Former Phillie, Michael Bourn has been trouble.  He is 5-for-13 with three stolen bases and two runs scored.  The Phillies need to keep the speedster off the base paths.

Your Gameday Beer – Hop Explosion
The Phils are in dire need of an offensive explosion, so let’s drink to that. Brewed in Bethlehem, Hop Explosion is not too widely available outside of the Lehigh Valley but as the name hints, it’s an IPA. There are some citrus flavors but they’re completely overpowered by the intensely bitter hops. This beer is certainly an acquired taste, but so is curried goat, so have the two together and pray for better meals and games ahead. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (77-56) at Houston Astros (65-70)

Cole Hamels (8-8, 4.26 ERA) vs. Bud Norris (3-3, 6.61 ERA)

Time: 2:05 p.m at Minute Maid Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 75
TV: MY PHL 17
Twitter: Phillies Nation

After losing the first two games, the Phillies must salvage a game of the series.  They almost won last night’s game, but Brad Lidge blew his Major League leading 10th save of the year.  Still, the offense is lacking.

Cole Hamels will try to extend his hot streak.  He has thrown 19 consecutive scoreless innings.  Hamels is 3-0 with a 4.41 ERA against Houston.  Last year, Hamels gave up six runs in four innings at Minute Made Park.

The Phillies have been facing numerous tough pitchers lately.  They might be catching a break with Bud Norris on the mound.  Unlike Hamels, Norris is in the midst of a cold streak; he is 0-3 with a 13.11 ERA in his last three starts.

Today’s Lineup: Chase Utley was listed as day-to-day with a swollen right foot, but he is in today’s lineup.  However, Shane Victorino is not.  Victorino left last night’s game with swelling in his knee.

Rollins (SS)/ Werth (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Francisco (RF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Hamels (P).

Your Gameday Beer – Two Jokers Double-Wit
With Labor Day upon us, we gotta get the white beers out of the way before they become faux pas. Two Jokers, from Missouri, is an excellent witbier brewed in the classic European style. The flavor embodies those tip-of-the-tongue spices like cloves, pepper, and coriander but is tempered by citrus accents. It’s a little creamier than a traditional wit, but its light body makes for easy drinking. I recommend it with a big salad topped with spicy salmon. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (77-55) at Houston Astros (64-70)

Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.77 ERA) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.80 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Minute Maid Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 83
TV: MY PHL 17
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Since Sunday, the Phillies have scored six lonely runs.  Even though the pitching allowed 14 runs, the Phillies have been able to win three games.  Subtracting Cliff Lee’s poor outing, the Phillies were only outscored 8-6.  They have been facing great pitching, and today will be no different.  Regardless, the offense needs to get back on track.

Joe Blanton will take the mound against Roy Oswalt.  Blanton is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in his last 12 starts.  Blanton won his only career start against Houston.  He pitched seven innings and allowed three runs.

Oswalt is 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 10 games against the Phillies.  Oswalt starts to pick it up in the second half, especially September.  He is 28-8 with a 2.54 ERA in September/October.

Tonight’s Lineup:  Chase Utley is out with a bruised, swollen foot. 

Shane Victorino (CF)/ Jayson Werth (RF)/ Jimmy Rollins (SS)/ Ryan Howard (1B)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ Pedro Feliz (3B)/  Miguel Cairo (2B)/ Paul Bako (C)/ Joe Blanton (P).

Your Gameday Beer – Racer X
We’re staying with an American Imperial IPA for tonight’s recommendation because it’s not only delicious but it goes great with BBQ. You may recall reading about Racer 5 which is a little more widespread than its older brother, but X has more malt, more hops and not surprisingly more alcohol. Taste-wise, this brew has a strong hoppy aroma with notes of orange, mango, peaches and lemon zest. Eat it with some grilled lemon pepper chicken kebobs. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (77-54) at Houston Astros (63-70)

Cliff Lee (12-10, 2.83 ERA) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (12-9, 2.93 ERA)

Time: 8:05 p.m at Minute Maid Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 85
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Coming off a 4-2 home stand, the Phillies head to Houston to take on the Astros.  The Astros sit in fourth place in the National League Central.  The Phillies offense is due to come alive; they averaged only 1.8 runs per game during their six game homecoming.

Lately, the Phillies have been apart of many pitchers’ duels.  Tonight might not be any different.  Lee is 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA since joining the Phillies.  However, he will try to rebound from his worst start since joining the team.  (You can vote for Cliff Lee for July’s Pepsi Clutch Player of the Month).

Wandy Rodriguez has been a pleasant surprise this season.  A career .500 pitcher, he has a 2.93 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and strikes out 8.3 batters per nine.  He was the National League Pitcher of the Month in July, when he posted a 0.75 ERA.  Perhaps he is starting to return to his old form, because he posted a 4.00 ERA in August.  Rodriguez is 0-1 with a 8.10 ERA in three career appearances against the Phillies.

Raul Ibanez will be given the day off.  Ben Francisco will start in left field.

Your Gameday Beer – Pliny The Elder
To piggyback on last night’s recommendation, tonight we offer another IPA hybrid, this time from the Russian River Brewing Company in Cali. Beer Advocate reviewers ranks this brew as one of the best. Besides the Roman philosopher, the name refers to its piney citrus flavor which is immediately noticeable when you crack open one of these 8% numbers. This is a seriously good beer and worth searching out. Kick off the holiday weekend with a blue cheese bacon bbq burger alongside a Pliney. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

San Francisco Giants (73-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-54)

Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33) vs. Pedro Martinez (2-0, 4.50 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 74
TV: Comcast Sportsnet, MLB Network
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Pedro Martinez will be glad to hear that there is no rain in tonight’s forecast. However, with Tim Lincecum on the mound, a long rain delay doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

The Phillies bats need to wake up for the rubber match of the series.  They’ve scored only one run during the entire series, and 11 in the last six games.  It will not be easy to manufacture runs off, arguably, the best pitcher in the National League. Like Brad Penny last night, Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings against the Phillies this season.

Ryan Howard has two home runs in his career against Lincecum.  Randy Winn is 6-for-9 with 4 RBI against Pedro since 2004.

In case you have not seen David Wright’s ridiculous looking helmet that will be mandatory for all minor leaguers next season, don’t be surprised to see Shane Victorino sporting a large, “Great Gazoo” type helmet.  Todd Zolecki reports Victorino will be trying out the new helmet tonight.  As usual, Shane will bat second in the lineup.  Victorino is batting .267 with a home run in 15 at-bats against Lincecum.

Your Gameday Beer – Green Flash Le Freak
There is no coincidence in tonight’s selection, but it’s a great beer nonetheless. You might mistake Le Freak for a Tripel by the way it looks and its 9.2% alcohol content; however, it tastes and smells like an American IPA – it’s actually considered a hybrid of the two. Eat it with your favorite peaches dish, it will bring out the Belgian flavors of the beer. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

San Francisco Giants (72-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-53)

Brad Penny (7-8, 5.61) vs. J.A Happ (10-3, 2.63 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 75
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

The Giants newest acquisition, Brad Penny, will be making his first start since August 21.  In his last start with the Red Sox, Penny was roughed up by the Yankees for eight runs in four innings.  Bruce Bochy, the Giants manager, said he would be satisfied with five innings from the righty.

In 20 games against the Phillies, Penny is 8-4 with a 3.72 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.  Most of that success came with the Marlins before he was plagued with injuries.  The Phillies only scored one run last night.  It was enough for the win, but the Phillies need to score more runs than that.  The offense has a perfect opportunity to explode against a struggling Penny.

Cole Hamels threw a complete game shutout last night.  J.A Happ has a couple of those on his resume.  He would like to become the first Phillies rookie to win 11 games since 1980.  Happ has never faced the Giants in his career, but if he continues his consistency he should be able to handle the Giants weak lineup.

Your Gameday Beer – Fuller’s London Porter
Feel that chill in the air? Besides fall baseball it means that we need a warm cozy beer for tonight – a porter. This variety from Fuller’s has serious sweetness to complement its roasted coffee flavor. It’s a good sample to try if you’re not big into porters (you can probably find it on tap at a local Elephant & Castle). Have it for dessert with some chocolate ice cream. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!