Philadelphia Phillies (26-17) at New York Mets (22-23)
Jamie Moyer (5-3, 4.30 ERA) at R.A. Dickey (0-0, 3.00 ERA)
Time: 7:10, Citi Field
Weather: Clear, 74
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Twitter: @philliesnation
Before we get to tonight’s game, the first NL All-Star Ballots have been counted and the Phillies are kicking ass and taking names so far. Five Phillies lead their respective positions, with Chase Utley leading everyone in the National League with over 687,000 votes. He leads Rickie Weeks at second base by over 500,000! Ryan Howard is well behind Albert Pujols, but is in second place. Carlos Ruiz sits behind Yadier Molina at catcher.
Jamie Moyer won’t be making the ASG this year, but he’s pitching pretty well, all things considered. He’s going for his 6th win of the season tonight at Citi Field. In actuality, he’s been a bit of a savior. No one believed he would be as good as he’s been so far, and rightfully so. Moyer was awful a season ago and with all the injuries to the rotation/bullpen, his innings have been much needed and appreciated.
Another knuckleballer, R.A. Dickey, goes up against the Phillies this evening. It’s the first time that the Phils will face knuckle-throwers back to back since 1983 when they went up against Phil and Joe Niekro. Sunday was an ugly attempt at hitting as Tim Wakefield made the Phils bats look foolish over eight strong innings. Perhaps seeing a knuckleballer already will help this time around.
Tonight’s Lineup:Victorino (CF), Polanco (3B), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Ruiz (C), Castro (SS), Moyer (P).
A baseball-themed beer? Yes, please. Brooklyn Pennant Ale is a honey-colored pale ale, right up my alley. It’s aptly named for the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Championship team, a very cool homage to a city that lost its team to the west coast unfortunately. It’s 5.0% ABV, so not too strong, not too light. It should be paired with some BBQ ribs or a plate of crabcakes. Oh yeah. Whether or not you despise New York, Brooklyn Brewing Co. makes a damn good beer. –By Pat
GO PHILLIES!