Joe Blanton (0-1, 13.50) vs. Mark Buehrle (0-1, 4.50)
Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN, MLBN
Weather: Cloudy, Low 50’s
Media: Twitter and Facebook
It’s another cool and cloudy night at Citizens Bank Park tonight, as Joe Blanton takes the mound for the Phils in the rubber match of the first three game series of the year between the Phillies and Marlins. This will be Blanton’s first start of the year, although he did make an appearance last Saturday gave up the winning run on a walk off infield single to Alex Presley. He’ll look to ease a lot of Phillies fans hearts tonight against a Marlins lineup that he’s had some slight success against in the past. He’s held Jose Reyes to just four hits in twenty-one at-bats, and held Emilio Bonifacio to six hits in twenty-three at bats. However, Hanley Ramirez is 7-19 and Chris Coghlan is 7-14 against him.
For the Marlins, Mark Buehrle–who has spent most of his career over in the AL–will be new to most of the Phillies hitters. Placido Polanco has faced him the most, and has a .400 average against him in 37 plate appearances. Jim Thome, Ty Wigginton, Juan Pierre, and Jimmy Rollins are the only other Phils who have faced him before, and none have an average above .263. This one won’t be a low scoring game, and if last night was any indication, the Phils offense could best the Marlins offense tonight.
Lineup: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Rollins SS, Pence RF, Mayberry LF, Wigginton 1B, Ruiz C, Galvis 2B, Blanton P
Tonight we have a gentle offering by Victory. This classic German Witbier is supremely drinkable on any evening, especially a rainy one like today. The flavor is comprised by wheat malt and yeast with notes of orange zest, coriander, and clove. Essentially, it’s another more sophisticated version of Blue Moon, if you fancy those. If you can find some fresh shellfish, like a bushel of crabs, have that with it. – By Brian
GO PHILS!
