Gameday: Phillies (31-28) at Red Sox (36-27)

Philadelphia Phillies (31-28) at Boston Red Sox (36-27)

Joe Blanton, RHP (1-4, 6.07 ERA) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (5-2, 4.59 ERA)

Time: 4:10, Fenway Park
Weather: Cloudy, Rain 69°
TV: Fox
Twitter: @philliesnation

The Phillies are very frustrating lately. The inability to hit is almost expected, so when the pitching breaks down they become almost unwatchable.  With last night’s performance still fresh, the Phils face another difficult challenge in front of a national audience.

Offense will be at a premium this afternoon as Dice-K takes to the mound for the home team.  It won’t be too difficult for the Phillies to improve upon their last encounter with the Japanese gyroballer – they managed just a single hit off him, breaking up a no-hitter in the eighth inning. In his most recent start, Matsuzaka threw another eight shutout innings, in a win over the Indians.

The Phillies counter with Joe Blanton who is off to another poor start to the season. He turned it around last year, so hopefully today’s game will be a turning point. The Red Sox took batting practice off Jamie Moyer last night and will look to do the same against Kentucky Joe (he was born in Nashville) who has allowed 9 home runs in 7 starts this season.  Here’s a chart to illustrate that last point:

Yikes!  Get me a beer.

Your Gameday Beer:In honor of the Revolutionary War rematch being played out on a soccer field in South Africa, we’re serving General Washington’s Tavern Porter. It is brewed by Yards in honor of the father of our country who became a brewmaster himself after retiring from government and is based on one of his own recipes. The 7% dark porter is thick but drinkable with a molasses base. Eat like our revolutionary forefathers with some freshly hunted rabbit.– By Brian

Go Phillies!