NLDS Gameday: Phillies at Rockies, Game 4
Philadelphia Phillies (2-1)
Cliff Lee, LHP (1-0) vs. Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP (0-1)
Time: 6:07 p.m at Coors Field
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 50
TV: TBS
Twitter: Phillies Nation
Warmer tonight, you say? With today’s 6 p.m. start time, the weather will not play as much of a factor as it did in last night’s 6-5 Phillies victory. The frigid temps seemed to play a small role in J.A. Happ’s sub-par outing, although some will say he was squeezed by home plate umpire Jerry Meals.
Game 4 will have Cliff Lee take the hill against Ubaldo Jimenez, in a mirror image of Game 1. Lee was outstanding, going the distance in that opening win, while allowing just a lone run in the 9th inning. The Phillies will need a similar performance in tonight’s game as the bullpen is somewhat depleted. Charlie Manuel had to use five relievers, including Joe Blanton again, after Happ lasted just three innings. Scott Eyre suffered a leg injury while fielding a grounder and is uncertain for this evening. So all eyes are once again on Lee to bring forth a spectacular outing.
Ubaldo Jimenez was pesky through four innings in Game 1, but ran out of gas in the fifth inning. In that 5-1 victory, every Phillie had a hit, including Lee, and Jimenez was bounced in the sixth after allowing five runs. The Phillies now know the opponent well, and with the bats starting to heat up once again, let’s hope we’re in for some fireworks in this possible closeout game.
Chase Utley finally gave the Phillies some pop, going 3-for-4 with a home run yesterday, er, early this morning). However, Jimmy Rollins is basically MIA at the top of the order. He did have a big ninth inning hit, but has looked lost for the most part at the dish. Look for a J-Roll turnaround.
Tonight’s Lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Lee (P).
In the spirit of this chilly, mile-high series, sip on a can of original Coors as you witness the Phillies dominating in Game 4. The “Banquet Beer” as it’s known is 5% ABV and is the oldest of the Coors beers. Buy a six pack and eat some steak and potatoes with it, and be sure to dispose of the cans by stepping on them, just as the Phils will do to the Rockies tonight. – By Pat
GO PHILLIES!
