Andrew Miller (1-1, 4.94 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (2-3, 7.11 ERA)
Time: 7:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Weather: Cloudy, 56
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Twitter: Phillies Nation
A tough homecoming for the Phillies last night, but tonight is a new chance to grab the golden ring. Joe Blanton has the task against the Marlins at a potentially damp Citizens Bank Park.
Blanton was workmanlike for four innings Thursday against Cincinnati, but the fifth inning became a mess of problems. A Brandon Phillips home run did Blanton in, ending his night after five. He’s hoping to get his ERA back below seven and maybe to a season-best number – anything below 6.82. And he’ll get to do it against a group of players he hasn’t faced much. Most is Jorge Cantu, who is only .231 against Blanton.
The Phillies will stare down young Andrew Miller, of whom they’ve not taken advantage. His last start against the Phils was an eight-inning, seven-strikeout performance on June 11. Since, he made a few relief appearances against the Phils with one tough outing. Shane Victorino has hit him well (.455 AVG, 2 HR).
That’s good news for Vic, who was struggling in May but quietly climbing back to normalcy. His average sits at .270, thanks mostly to his good weekend in the Bronx.
Go Phillies!