Gameday: Marlins (85-74) at Phillies (92-67)
Rick Vandenhurk, RHP (2-2, 4.44 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton, RHP (12-7, 3.95 ERA)
Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 61
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation
It’s the final weekend of what has been a roller coaster ride of a season for the Philadelphia Phillies. Just three games remain between the Phils and the start of the postseason, so enjoy regular season baseball while it lasts.
To kick off the weekend festivities, Joe Blanton will try to give his team a push for home field in the playoffs tonight. Blanton scorched through the summer months, but has since hit a bit of a lull. After back-to-back appearances without allowing an earned run, Big Joe gave up five earned against Milwaukee last weekend, but still came away with the win. Against the Marlins, Blanton is 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA in five career starts. If he can continue the torrid trend against the Fish, home field for the duration of the NL Playoffs could be in their sights. Keep an eye on the Rockies and Dodgers match up as well.
Rick Vandenhurk sees the Phillies once again. His last start was against Philly on September 23, when he gave up four earned over six innings of work in the Marlins 7-6 victory. It’s just his 11th start of the season. The Phillies would love to pounce on the youngster and push the stakes higher, as the Dodgers sit one game up in the standings, while the Cardinals and Rockies are one behind the Phils.
Bad news: J.C. Romero is feeling pain again in his forearm, and is likely done for the year. According to Todd Zolecki, Romero said, “I’m done bro. I’m done.”
LINEUP: Victorino (CF), Cairo (SS), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Francisco (LF), Dobbs (3B), Ruiz (C), Blanton (P)
For whatever reason, I like to think of red ales as fall beers. This offering from Lagunitas comes in a 22-ounce bottle and certainly fits into that autumn category. Its rich amber flavor is thickened by apples and syrup while also containing a strong hops body. It has a traditional dry finish – common in IPAs. Have it with some pork chops and applesauce.
GO PHILLIES!
