Gamenight: Reds (28-31) At Phillies (35-25)
The Phils could secure an 8-2 homestand, at worst, with a win tonight against the Reds. The Phils will tote Brett Myers out there. Myers had a nice start last time out against the Rockies, going eight innings while striking out a season-high 11. He’ll need to duplicate that tonight.
Why? The Reds throw out there Edinson Volquez, who pitched well against the Phillies this season and is the National League ERA leader. He’s a hard thrower and very deceptive at that, but with patient Phillie bats, he could be beaten. Meanwhile, the bullpen has been taxed with Tom Gordon and Brad Lidge seeing the past three games each. They might not be available tonight. The plan would be to get Myers eight, then turn it over to either Romero (in a close game) or Condrey/Seanez (in a blowout).
Ken Griffey Jr.? Not in the game. At this point it’s probably to get him 600 in Cincinnati. There’s rain (and a tornado) in the forecast, as it has been all day. With a day game set for tomorrow, it’s possible this one could be called.
Phillies: Brett Myers (3-6) 5.52 ERA
Reds: Edinson Volquez (7-2) 1.46 ERA
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EST
Weather: 77 degrees, isolated storms
Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Jenkins, Feliz, Coste, Myers
MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday
Your gamenight beer: We’ll need something stronger tonight, something that’ll ignite the bats over flame-throwing Volquez. I suggest Sam Adams Honey Porter, a delicious, sweet but strong beer that you can cut some wood with. As the rain pours down and you think about an eight- or nine-win homestand, take comfort in this beer and eat some buffalo wings.
Go Phillies!
