Gameday: Nationals (3-4) at Phillies (6-1)
Washington Nationals (3-4) at Philadelphia Phillies (6-1)
Craig Stammen, RHP
Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 60
TV: MyPHL 17
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The big news today is obviously Jimmy Rollins hitting the disabled list with the calf injury. In his stead will be plenty of Juan Castro at shortstop – he’ll bat 7th tonight.
Kyle Kendrick and Craig Stammen do battle again, just as they did last week in Washington. Kendrick’s last time out was a dud, as he managed to finish just four innings while allowing five earned runs. He takes over once again for the injured Joe Blanton who long-tossed in the outfield today and looked to have no restrictions. Look for Kendrick to go more than four tonight; lets hope his first-start jitters are nothing more than that.
Stammen is the starter for Washington, and was partially responsible for the Phillies only loss of this young season. In Game 3 of the opening series, Stammen got through five innings, but was given a no-decision. He did allow nine hits to the Phils, but didn’t walk anyone. This time around, he’ll see a much different lineup.
No Rollins, obviously, and no Jayson Werth either who continues to deal with that hip flexor injury. Werth is available tonight off the bench, and Carlie Manuel said he might play tomorrow. Werth looked fine in BP as he assaulted balls into the stands. Greg Dobbs gets the start for Werth, which makes it four lefties in a row in the middle of the order.
Today’s Lineup: Victorino (CF), Polanco (3B), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Dobbs (RF), Ibanez (LF), Castro (SS), Ruiz (C), Kendrick (P).
This is odd, yet kind of cool at the same time. It was once a drink for lactating mothers way, waaay back when. Sam Smith makes a damn good beer and this one an has a nice, silky texture, with a bittersweet finish. A four pack of this stuff will run you about $10-12 but it’s well worth it. It shouldn’t be served too cold either – the temp should be about 55 degrees. Eat it with Italian food or a nice Tuna Steak and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. – By Pat
GO PHILLIES!
