Gameday: Phillies (22-10) vs. Braves (19-16)
Jair Jurrjens RHP (3-0, 1.52 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels LHP (4-1, 2.66 ERA)
Time: 8:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 71
TV: ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, Comcast Network
Twitter: Phillies Nation
As much as an early season series can be pivotal, this one has proved it could be. The Phillies have split the first two games with the Braves with superb pitching at the forefront.
Derek Lowe came out taking a no hitter into the seventh on Friday blanking the Phils 5-0. Kyle Kendrick became a man last night throwing five innings of scoreless ball and combined with four relievers to shut out the Braves 3-0 last night. Tonight will be no different.
Cole Hamels (4-1, 2.66) is 4-0 over his last five games with a 1.42 ERA. Early in April he pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out eight in a 3-0 Phillies win. Overall he is 10-5 with a 3.72 ERA. The Phillies as a team are 8-3 over their last 11 games against the Braves.
On the hill for the Braves is righty Jair Jurrjens (3-0, 1.52). Jurrjens has been a key part in Atlanta’s success this season. The Braves have the best ERA in the league at 2.87. The Phillies are not too far behind at 3.00. In five starts at Citizens Bank Park, Jurrjens has an ERA of 1.87.
Other notes: Carlos Ruiz has been placed on the DL, retroactive to April 28. Could head down to Clearwater for extended Spring Training.
Joe Blanton is expected to be activated tomorrow. Roy Oswalt threw a bullpen session today and said he felt fine. Charlie Manuel is hopeful he can start against the Braves next Friday.
The Phillies now have Chase Utley, Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge, Jose Contreras, and Carlos Ruiz on the DL and Blanton for one more day.
LINEUP: Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Valdez 2B, Sardinha C, Hamels P
Don’t let the dark beers fool you, a chilled stout is just as refreshing as any beer on a beautiful spring day like today. This chocolate variety from Rogue Ales in Oregon is a black in color with a creamy head. You can taste notes of chocolate, but it’s not overwhelming, rather bittersweet. Have one of these 22 oz. bottles alongside dessert tonight.
GO PHILLIES!
