Gameday: Phillies (61-48) At Cubs (58-52)
J.A Happ (8-2, 2.74 ERA) vs. Rich Harden (7-7, 4.41 ERA)
Time: 8:05 p.m at Wrigley Field
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 76
TV: MY PHL 17
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The Phillies start their road trip at Wrigley Field. They’ll take on the Cubs, who are three games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. The Cubs and Phillies last met in July. The Phillies took two out of three, however, the Cubs ended the Phils 10 game winning streak.
Rich Harden pitched well in his pitchers’ duel against Joe Blanton. Harden pitched seven innings, allowed one run and struck out six, receiving the no-decision (Jayson Werth’s walk off home run against tomorrow’s starter, Jeff Samardzija). Harden has been a hot pitcher of late; he is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 41 strikeouts in his last five starts. His seven solid innings isn’t the only dominance he has had against the Phillies. Overall, he has given up two runs and struck out 22 in 20 innings against the Phillies in his career.
The Phillies will send J.A Happ to the mound, who has been solid all year. The rookie is coming off a complete game shutout against the Colorado Rockies.
Although manufacturing runs off Harden may not be easy, Wrigley is a perfect place for the offense to resurrect. Chances are, the wind will be blowing out, perfect for a team that likes to hit the long ball.
When the folks out in Pottsville started selling Yuengling Light a couple years ago, I thought, “duh, what a great idea.” For those who like the traditional Lager this is a worthy substitute. It retains a similar amber color, caramel malt flavor with mild hops – all with just 99 calories. For a hot summer night, a few cold Light Lagers are what you need to watch the Phils get back on track. Stay light and have it with a salad. – By Brian
GO PHILLIES!
