Gameday: Phillies (1-1) at Pirates (1-1)
Vance Worley vs. James McDonald
Time: 1:35, PNC Park
TV: WB 17
Weather: Cloudy. Mild. 67
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Charlie Manuel has decided to let the home grown Cole Hamels to start the home opener tomorrow so this opens the door to allow Vance Worley get his first shot at a ‘W’ in Pittsburgh.
Worley looked sharp this Spring. Against the Pirates in the Grapefruit League he went four innings without allowing a hit and struck out eight. The Vanimal had an incredible 2011 campaign winning 11 games in 21 starts with an ERA just above three.
Behind Worley will once again be a different lineup. Manuel is attempting to shake some things up as the offense doesn’t seem to know that these games count. Juan Pierre will lead off in left field replacing John Mayberry Jr and Jim Thome will make his first start at first base since 2007. It was an interleague game against the Phillies and guess who was catching for the Phils? Yep, Rod Barajas.
Ty Wigginton will also get a start at third and Worley’s personal catcher Brian Schneider will be behind the plate and bat eighth. Freddy Galvis, a better bunter, will hit seventh in case any sacrifice opportunities arise.
It’s hard to imagine the offense can falter anymore than it already has so the Phillies will try and get after Pirates’ starter James McDonald early. Hunter Pence has five hits in his career against the righty and Jimmy Rollins, in the three spot again, has taken him deep.
The Phillies faced McDonald twice in the Grapefruit League. He allowed a run and two hits in three innings of work during both appearances.
Lineup: Pierre 7, Victorino 8, Rollins 6, Pence 9, Thome 3, Wigginton 5, Galvis 4, Schneider 2, Worley 1
Brewed just down 113, Dogfish calls Rehoboth Beach home in Milton Delaware. They offer daily tours, except for Sundays to sample some delicious pale and Belgian style ales. Its called Tweason because they release it four times in the year to almost every state now. One of its unique characteristics is that it is a gluten-free beer. They took out the barley and introduced a sorghum base with a hint of molasses and strawberry flavor. So whether its the beginning or midseason, enjoy some Tweason’ Ale.
GO PHILLIES!
