Gameday: Phillies (50-38) vs. Marlins (46-46)
J.A Happ (6-0, 2.90 ERA) vs. Andrew Miller (3-4, 4.50 ERA)
Time: 1:10 p.m at Land Shark Stadium
Weather: Sunny, 90
TV: MYPHL 17
Twitter: Phillies Nation
Is J.A Happ the new Cole Hamels? While Hamels may be having an off year, Happ has made himself the most reliable and consistent starter since joining the rotation. He has pitched at least seven innings in four consecutive starts and is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in that span. Happ has allowed eight runs in 7.1 innings against the Marlins– all in relief. Happ will be making his first start of the second half, the perfect time to start his Rookie of the Year campaign.
Andrew Miller has been bounced from starter to reliever to disabled list. Since returning from the disable list (oblique strain), he is 3-3 with a 4.04 ERA. In 11 starts in that time frame, he has allowed more than three runs twice. Miller is 0-2 with a 4.05 ERA against the Phillies throughout his career.
The Phillies look to extend their win streak by sweeping the Fish. Hopefully the rain will hold off after a long rain delay on Friday and a postponement on Saturday.
With last night’s postponement, I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest a beer with a corny rain reference. So here you are, Rain City Stout by the Pyramid Brewery in Washington state (you may have tried their Hefeweizen). This is not a watered down beer however: it pours a tall head, has a dark color, and offers handsome flavors of coffee, caramel, molasses and even merlot. Pick one up at the ale house next to Safeco Field during your next interleague stint and have some oysters on the half-shell. – By Brian
GO PHILLIES!
