Gameday: Nationals (3-3) at Phillies (5-1)
Washington Nationals (3-3) at Philadelphia Phillies (5-1)
Jason Marquis, RHP
Time: 3:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 67
TV:Comcast SportsNet
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The boys are back in town! The Philadelphia Phillies will make their much anticipated 2010 home debut. They are coming off an impressive 5-1 roadtrip, which includes a sweep of the Houston Astros.
The Phillies also faced the Nationals, taking two of three from them. The Nationals evened their record against the Mets, but the Phillies would like to put them below .500 again.
The Phillies’ offense has been unstoppable. They’ve been doing every right: drawing walks, getting on base, driving in runners in scoring position, hitting home runs, you name it. They lead all of baseball in runs scored and on-base plus slugging percentage. The Phillies look to continue their hot offense in their hitter-friendly ballpark.
Today’s game is an exact rematch of the second game of the season: Cole Hamels against Jason Marquis. Marquis was roughed up in four innings as control issues led to six earned runs. Hamels’ command wasn’t spot on either. Hamels earned the win despite only lasting five innings and walking four. Hamels didn’t seem to challenge hitters, and repeatedly threw down and in. Perhaps moving pitches in and out will help, while mixing his fastball with his stellar changeup and newly found cutter.
Phillies fans traveled well during Opening Week, but there is nothing like being behind an electric home crowd. It’s Opening Day: Part II. Baseball officially returns to the city of brotherly love.
Today’s Lineup: Rollins (SS), Polanco (3B), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Victorino (CF), Ruiz (C), Hamels (P).
GO PHILLIES!
