Phillies Nation

Washington Nationals (93-61) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (78-76)

John Lannan (3-0, 4.43) vs. Kyle Kendrick (10-11, 3.89)

Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 60
Media: Twitter and Facebook

We’re down to just eight games left in the season, and only two on the home schedule. If you haven’t been to a game yet, now is the time. Just a wear a jacket, it’s getting chilly.

It’s another lefty on the mound for the Nationals, John Lannan. You know him well. He’s plunked a Phillie or two over the years and has turned into the replacement for a shelved-Stephen Strasburg.

For the Phillies, Kyle Kendrick gets the ball and looks to finish the season off strong. It’s been a positive second half for Kendrick and with a couple of good starts to end 2012, he could play himself into a full-time role in the rotation.

The Nationals magic number remains at five to win the East. Also, Roy Halladay is slated to start on Saturday after having a positive bullpen session. It will his final start of 2012.

Your Gameday Beer – Post Road Pumpkin Ale

This pumkin ale is more my speed. It doesn’t have that strong hit of allspice and nutmeg that sends my chest into freakout mode. It’s much more subdued. Post Road, made by Brooklyn Brewery, is called a beginners pumpkin beer by the smart-asses on Beer Advocate. Well, consider me beginning to drink one.  – Pat Gallen

GO PHILLIES!

Washington Nationals (93-60) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (77-76)

Ross Detwiler (10-6, 3.10) vs. Cole Hamels (15-6, 3.05) 

Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Just nine games remain for the Phillies before they head home for what will surely be a long winter. They’ll finish out their home schedule with three games against the Washington Nationals, who can clinch a division title this week. Their magic number is five.

As for the Phillies, Roy Halladay will likely make a start on Saturday, according to pitching coach Rich Dubee. Doc will throw a bullpen session tomorrow and if it goes off without a hitch, he’ll make that final start of the season. Whether or not that’s the way to go is for another time.

Still no word yet on if or when Chase Utley will get a start at third base. Everyone seems pretty serious about this happening, so keep an eye out for it. Charlie Manuel said it’s completely up to him on whether or not he feels comfortable enough to take the hot corner, something he hasn’t done since his days in the minor leagues.

Your Gameday Beer – Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale

Cant say it’s my favorite pumpkin beer in the world, but you could do worse. Beer Advocate rates it an 88, which is quite high. It’s a little too spicy for my liking, but many friends of mine swear by it. Truly, it gives me heartburn and I can’t drink more than one. But if pumpkin and spice are your thing, this is for you. – Pat Gallen

GO PHILLIES!

New York Mets (60-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-68)

Matt Harvey (2-3, 2.75) vs. Tyler Cloyd (MLB debut)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 82
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Exactly this time five years ago, the Phillies completed an amazing four-game sweep against the New York Mets, which turned out to be the beginning of a miraculous comeback in the National League East.  With last night’s loss, the sweep isn’t happening, and the miraculous comeback is out of reach (but still mathematically possible).  Never-the-less, it’s still fun to remember that incredible series in 2007.  It feels like yesterday Tadahito Iguchi scored the winning run on Chase Utley‘s walkoff single.

The Phillies couldn’t continue their winning streak last night, as they lost last night in extra innings. They’ll get a shot in the arm thanks to rookie righty Tyler Cloyd. He will be starting in place of Cole Hamels who was scratched earlier today due to a real bad tummy ache. Fans have been clammoring to see Cloyd start thanks to a torrid International League season that saw him go 12-1 record, with a 2.35 ERA. Those numbers were good enough to earn the 25-year old the International League MVP yesterday and the Phillies’ Paul Owens award today. More important to him, it earned him his first big league start.

The Mets starter, Matt Harvey is also a rookie, and he’s off to a solid beginning of his career.  He’s a strikeout pitcher, averaging 10.8 whiffs in nine innings.  Harvey has only made six starts, but he has pitched pretty decently in those outings. He has also hit the ball well, going 5-11 with two doubles in those six games.

Your gameday beer: Brooklyn Pennant Ale ’55

A baseball-themed beer? Yes, please. Brooklyn Pennant Ale is a honey-colored pale ale, right up my alley. It’s aptly named for the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Championship team, a very cool homage to a city that lost its team to the west coast unfortunately. It’s 5.0% ABV, so not too strong, not too light. It should be paired with some BBQ ribs or a plate of crabcakes. Oh yeah. Whether or not you despise New York, Brooklyn Brewing Co. makes a damn good beer. –By Pat

Go Phillies!

The Phillies came off a fantastic sweep of the Washington Nationals, but couldn’t keep their winning streak together as they were defeated by the New York Mets, 9-5.

GRAND SLAM GIVES PHILS EARLY LEAD

- The Phillies quickly answered after the Mets took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on David Wright’s RBI single.  Chris Young walked Jimmy Rollins, plunked Kevin Frandsen, and walked Chase Utley, loading the bases to lead off the inning.  Ryan Howard drilled a home run to deep right-center field.  The grand slam gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead.

Continue reading Bullpen’s Scoreless Streak Ends; Loses Lead

New York Mets (59-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-67)

Chris Young (3-7, 4.33) vs. Vance Worley (6-9, 4.06)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL 17
Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 83
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Check out Corey on SNY.tv previewing the Mets series on their “Know Your Enemy” segment:

I love winning! It’s like, you know, better than losing!
-Nuke LaLoosh

I found this quote in an old gameday thread from 2009.  After sweeping the Washington Nationals, this quote seems to fit perfectly for the Phillies as of late.  The Phillies are two games ahead of the Mets in the National League East for third place.  We expected this of the Mets, but not the Phillies.

Vance Worley has had a roller coaster season: sometimes he’s great, sometimes he struggles.  He’s coming off a decent start, so he needs to work on the consistency.  He isn’t as good as he was last season, but he did have some injury problems.  Regardless, he’s still a solid middle to back of the rotation kind of guy.

Your Gameday Beer: Holy Moses White Ale by Great Lakes Brewing Company

Tonight’s beer comes from Cleveland. It’s a Belgian-style witbier spiced with orange peel and coriander. It’s unfiltered, so there’s yeast at the bottom, which some people might not like, but it’s got a great aftertaste. There you have it. So buy your squeeze a bottle of Holy Moses tonight and get ready to watch the Phils battle. -By Michael

Go Phillies!

Washington Nationals (77-49) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-67)

Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 2.54) vs. Cliff Lee (2-7, 3.78)

Time: 1:35, Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL 17
Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 81
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies are going for the sweep today! Being swept by the Phillies would be a major disappointment for the Nationals. The Phillies are just gonna keep plaingy spoiler.

In his last start, Jordan Zimmermann blamed his poor outing against the Braves on being too excited. For the Nationals sake, they hope that he isn’t too ecstatic to face the third place Phillies. Zimmermann is actually having a great season, but is overshadowed by phenom Stephen Strasburg. Zimmermann was actually the National’s best pitching prospect before Strasburg came along. He didn’t do too great in limited experience from 2009-10, but has pitched very good over the last two seasons.

It’s been a long time since Cliff Lee earned the victory at Citizens Bank Park. He has lost a win in almost every way possible, so let’s home he can get the W and the Phillies can sweep the Nats.

Your Gameday Beer – Amstel
No, not Amstel Light…Amstel, it’s big brother. Named after the river that flows through Amsterdam, Amstel tastes like a mix between Heineken and Bud. It has the complexity of Heineken (not to mention it’s owned by them) without the bite – definitely a macrobrew. Around Holland you can pick up a can of Amstel in vending machines which is most convenient when you don’t know the language. I’d recommend a fancy hot dog with all your preferred toppings today. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Washington Nationals (77-48) at Philadelphia Phillies (59-67)

Gio Gonzalez (16-6, 3.23) vs. Roy Halladay (7-7, 3.95)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 80
Media: Twitter and Facebook

If the Phillies can’t make the playoffs, they’re going to have to play spoiler to the teams that can.  Even though the Nationals practically have a postseason spot lined up, the Phillies can still beat up on them.  The Phillies beat the Nats 4-2 last night, and will seek another victory tonight.

Gio Gonzalez is looking for his 17th win, which would give him the lead for most wins in the majors. Gonzalez has spent time in several different systems, including Philadelphia, but was always noted as a top prospect.  So far, it appears that Gonzalez has lived up to his expectations.  Gonzalez is having a great year in Washington: opponents are hitting just .214 against him and he averages 9.45 strikeouts per nine.

Your Gameday Beer – Nugget Nectar
This brew by Troegs (out of the PA capital) is a mix of Red and Amber Ale; and as a result, it pours a vibrant orange color in your glass. The taste hits you right away with piney hops then gradually fades into tropical fruit flavors. It’s a tasty beer worth trying, especially alongside a roasted chicken. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

Washington Nationals (77-47) at Philadelphia Phillies (58-67)

Edwin Jackson (7-8, 3.69) vs. Kyle Kendrick (6-9, 4.20)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 80
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Nationals were expected to be an up and coming team.  They were expected to be much improved, but I don’t think anybody expected them to have the best record in baseball at this point in the season.  The Nationals stand 10.5 games ahead of the Phillies in the National League East.

Kyle Kendrick is coming off a great start against the Brewers.  Kendrick’s starts are always unpredictable, as he needs to  build consistency. 

Lineup: SS Rollins, 3B Frandsen, 2B Utley, 1B Howard, RF Brown, CF Mayberry, LF Nix, C Kratz, P Kendrick.

Your gamenight beer: Dogfish Head, which makes many find beers, brings forth 90 Minute IPA, which is stronger than your 60 Minute, but it really tastes good. Between its nine percent content and superior satisfaction, it reminds you of a good Belgian brew. Perfect for a mild night like tonight. Eat some pork with it. -By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (47-57) at Washington Nationals (61-42)

Cole Hamels (11-5, 3.31 ERA) vs Ross Detwiler (5-4, 3.24 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Nationals Park
TV: CSN
Weather: 87, partly cloudy
Media: Twitter and Facebook

When you’re a team sitting 12 games out of a playoff spot and have officially declared your season over by trading away two main cogs in your lineup, you’re looking for any kind of motivation to get up for a game. Sweeping a first place team that has made it a point to declare you a rival this season is one of those rare instances where motivation won’t be hard to come by. That’s right, tonight the Phillies have a chance to earn a small victory and deliver a little payback by sweeping the Washington Nationals, who have owned them of late.

If you believe this game doesn’t mean anything to the Phils because, for all intents and purposes, their season is over, I’d suggest otherwise. I think getting a sweep here is important to the Phillies, especially since the Nats have bullied them this season. Because of that, expect them to come out playing hard and performing like the game means something. The Phils will be looking to prove they can compete with the Nats over the rest of the season–they have three series left with them after tonight–and a sweep tonight would help set the tone.

Speaking of people with something to prove, Cole Hamels will be the man on the mound tonight. Now, Hamels has done just about everything he can to prove to people that he’s a bona fide ace. However, in his first start after signing his new mega deal, Hamels delivered one of the worst performances of his career–walking a career-high six guys and allowing three earned runs in just five innings. That effort should give Hamels some motivation to pitch particularly well tonight, as he looks to continue proving he’s worth the dough the Phils ponied up. He’s found the right team to do it against. In two starts against the Nats this season, Hamels is 2-0 with an 0.56 ERA. He’s allowed one run in 16 innings.

The Nats counter with Ross Detwiler. Detwiler has been pretty steady this season. Incidentally, he has yet to face the Phillies in 2012. For his career, he’s 1-3 with a 4.45 ERA. Those numbers, of course, were compiled against a vastly different Phillies lineup than the one he’ll face tonight.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Frandsen 3B, Utley 2B, Ruiz C, Wigginton 1B, Mayberry CF, Brown LF, Martinez RF, Hamels P.

Gameday Beer: Kona Brewing Co., Koko Brown

Now that Shane Victorino is in L.A., I figured this would be a good time to dedicate a beer selection to all he did for this team over the last five years. What better beer to do that than Koko Brewing’s Hawaiian signature, the Koko Brown? This brown ale sports a complex taste, but is quite drinkable (If you’re looking to pound them down, this beer is a candidate). What makes it special though is the hint of coconut, which comes from the brewing process. It is truly a summertime beer. If you can procure some pulled pork, shish kabob and some pineapple salsa, make a luau out of it. Mahalo! - By RD

GO PHILLIES!

Philadelphia Phillies (46-57) at Washington Nationals (61-41)

Vance Worley (5-6, 3.88 ERA) vs Edwin Jackson (6-6, 3.52 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Nationals Park
TV: CSN, MASN
Weather: Sunny, 90, Scattered T-storms
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Well we might not see if ‘trying any damn thing’ will actually work any time soon but the new look Phillies gave us something to cheer for last night.  Enter Domonic Brown.  Brown will be making his long awaited return to the starting lineup tonight playing left field  a day after the Phillies sent Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants.

One of the pieces that the Giants sent over was Nate Schierholtz, who will be playing right field and batting second.  John Mayberry Jr. will be running wild in center to round out the rest of the outfield and hitting after Ryan Howard in the lineup.

This may not be the Phillies team we remember, but this is our Phillies team.  For the moment at least.  Some may think the white flag has been raised, and maybe yes it has for this season, but this team is not a bottom dweller.  It’s not their style.  Expect this team to continue to play hard and build some momentum through the end of the season.

Vance Worley will be on the hill tonight.  Worley has been knocked around a bit recently with opponents hitting .353 against him in his last five starts.  He will try and correct the ship against Edwin Jackson and the rest of the Nationals tonight.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Schierholtz RF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Brown LF, Frandsen 3B, Kratz C, Worley P.

Your gameday beer: Yeah man. Here’s Dogfish 90 Minute IPA. The 90 Minute is a sterling beer, flavorful and not overly strong in taste. But it hits you, and it hits you hard. It’s 9 percent, so it gets you good after a few. Drink with caution. And eat some mussels with it. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!