Gameday: Mets (39-39) at Phillies (39-37)

New York Mets (39-39) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-37)

Livan Hernandez (5-3, 4.04 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (5-4, 3.91 ERA in AAA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 80
TV:Comcast Sporstnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Tonight, the rivalry is renewed in a big series for both teams. The Phillies look to turn around their struggles and stay in first place in the National League East. The Mets are only one game out, and they could find themselves in first if the Phillies continue to struggle at home.

Rogrigo Lopez will start against the Mets. With the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lopez has been inconsistent in his last ten starts.  He has only given up one earned run his the last 14 innings he has pitched, however it has been a pattern that after he has success, he struggles in his next start.  On the plus side, he has not walked many batters or given up many home runs.  In his Major League career, Lopez is 65-65 with a 4.80 ERA. 

Hernandez is 10-8 with a 3.36 in 24 career starts against the Phillies.  At Citizens Bank Park, Hernandez is 2-2 with a 5.45 ERA.  Chase Utley is 8-for-24 in his career against Hernandez.  Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each have homered off Hernandez twice in their careers.

Your Gameday Beer:If you’ve ever been to the City Tavern on 2nd Street across from the Ritz Theater in Philly, there’s a chance you’ve sampled General Washington’s Tavern Porter. It is brewed by Yards in honor of the father of our country who became a brewmaster himself after retiring from government and is based on one of his own recipes. The 7% dark porter is thick but drinkable with a molasses base. Eat like our revolutionary forefathers with some freshly hunted rabbit. – By Brian

Go Phillies!