New York Mets (11-14) at Philadelphia Phillies (16-8)
Mike Pelfrey, RHP (1-2, 7.23 ERA) vs. Vance Worley, RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Time: 7:05 p.m, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Cloudy, 67
Twitter: @philliesnation
The Mets are back in town for a three game series against a Phillies team who just keep adding names to the disabled list. Latest resident is Joe Blanton. He joins Chase Utley, Domonic Brown, Brad Lidge, Jose Contreras and J.C. Romero on the growing list of ailing Phils. Carlos Ruiz is there too with some lower back pain.
The Phillies called up Vance Worley from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill in. Last season he was 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts for the Phillies. This season for the Iron Pigs he is 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts.
Worley is one of those kids from the ‘straight brim crew.’ Guys like Drew Storen of the Nationals and Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees that are young and hungry. The 24 year-old right handed pitcher is striking out 9.9 batters per nine innings.
The last time the Mets were in town, the Phillies took two out of three from New York. Tonight they will be facing off against right hander Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey is 6-4 with an ERA over five against Philadelphia. Ryan Howard has had the most success against Pelfrey hitting .406 with two home runs.
After winning the series finale in Arizona the Phillies offense will look to continue to heat up. Placido Polanco has 10 hits in his last 20 at bats and Ben Francisco has six RBIs in his last seven games.
Brian Schneider will get the start again filling in for Ruiz, who is suffering from back pain. Dane Sardinha was recalled earlier today to be the third catcher in case something happens to Schneider. Instead of sending Ruiz to the DL, they decided to send Mike Zagurski back down to the minors.
The Nation’s Pat Gallen is down at CBP and here are some things he is hearing:
On Blanton – Felt a burn when he tossed changeups; that’s what took him out of the last game. After that it didn’t really get any better. Amaro and Manuel say they hope to have him back sooner than later. More or less, he just needs rest.
On Worley – Charlie says if he can get 5-7 innings from the youngster, it will be perfect.
On Ruiz – No DL yet, going to give him 2-3 days rest and see where he is then. Sardinha was called up in case the DL is needed.
LINEUP: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, J Roll SS, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Orr 2B, Schneider C, Worley P
Your Gameday Beer – Fire Island’s Red Wagon IPA
Tonight’s selection comes to us from Fire Island, NY, that crazy place off Long Island where cars are prohibited. And it is this quirky phenomenon that give us the name of the beer since red wagons are what locals use to transport goods around the island. Ah, simple times call for a simple beer. This golden beer is balanced with floral and fruity hops and is perfect for a September evening. Have it with some grilled pork chops.
GO PHILLIES!
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