Gameday: Phillies (69-49) at Mets (56-65)
Cole Hamels (7-7, 4.69 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (8-8, 4.75 ERA)
Time:7:10 p.m at Citi Field
Weather: 60% chance of rain, 86
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The rivalry is renewed. Even though the Phillies have a comfortable 14.5 game lead over the Metropolitans, this is a big series. Our own Pat Gallen was interviewed earlier today on SNY.tv in New York about the upcoming four-game set.
The Mets have been depleated with injuries, missing Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. The newest addition to the disabled list is David Wright, who was beaned in the head, suffering a scary concussion.
Cole Hamels’ roller coaster season continues. He last faced the Mets in June, and was roughed up for four runs in five innings. The home run ball hurts Hamels, who has allowed 21 bombs this season. Luckily, the Mets are not a home run hitting club, especially at pitcher friendly Citi Field. In fact, the Phillies (171) have exactly 100 more home runs than the Mets (71). And if Hamels does give up deep flies, they are usually solo shots. Hamels needs control of his fastball to help return his 2008 form.
Mike Pelfrey is 2-0 against the Phillies this season, but Chase Utley has him in his book. Unlike Hamels, Pelfrey keeps the ball in the park, but Utley has taken him deep three times in 18 at-bats. Chase will try to hit one into “Utley’s Corner,” dubbed by the Mets broadcasters.
When the Phillies and Mets meet, the games are usually intense and down to the wire. The Phillies can not take this series lightly even with a marginal lead.
Tonight’s lineup:Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Werth (RF)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Dobbs (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Hamels (P).
Tonight we recommend a good strong beer for what hopes to be a good strong beating of the Mets. This IPA is of the California variety, meaning it’s a little fruiter than normal with grapefruit, orange and even pine scents. It also uses Belgian yeast which gives it a unique flavor and its Belgique name. Have it with one of those crazy pizzas you’d find at California Pizza Kitchen or anything at the Grey Lodge where it’s on tap. – By Brian
GO PHILLIES!
