Joe Blanton (1-3, 4.34) vs. Randy Wells (0-0, 3.60)
Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: TCN, MLBN
Weather: 80% chance of rain, 41 degrees
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Even with Roy Halladay on the mound, the Phillies were unable to beat the last place Chicago Cubs. After showing signs of life during the last few games on the West Coast, the Phillies offense only managed one run against Chicago. The Phillies hope to inch closer to .500 today with Joe Blanton on the hill.
So far, Blanton has pitched better than most Phillies fans had expected. Subtracting his first appearance of the season from the bullpen, Blanton would have an even 4.00 ERA. Blanton has only walked 3 batters in 18.2 innings, which is always a good sign. Blanton has had solid career numbers against the Cubs, posting a 3.04 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 26.2 innings.
Blanton will be opposed by Randy Wells, who is filling in for the injured Ryan Dempster. Wells was a Rookie of the Year Candidate in 2009, when he went 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA. He has yet to follow up his rookie season, as he has been spending time in the Minor Leagues. After his rookie season, the Cubs had expectations for Wells, but he never lived up to them. Wells makes only his second start this season, but he has a lot to prove and will try to win a spot in the Cubs’ rotation.
Lineup:
GO PHILLIES