New York Mets (17-13) at Philadelphia Phillies (14-17)
Dillon Gee (2-2, 4.50) vs. Cliff Lee (0-1, 1.96)
Time: 7:05 Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Thunderstorms, 71
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Injury update: Carlos Ruiz, Laynce Nix, and Ty Wigginton were all held out of tonight’s lineup due to injuries. Ruiz is dealing with some left hand soreness, Wigginton’s left side is bothering him, and Nix is still suffering from calf tightness. While Ruiz and Wigginton’s availability remains unclear, it has been reported that Nix is available to pinch hit, but cannot run.
Cliff Lee makes his return to the mound tonight for the Phillies, and, frankly, it couldn’t come at a better time, as the Phils, with a lineup further hampered by injury, will look to avoid being swept at the hands of the Mets and falling four games below .500 for the first time since May 9th, 2007 (The coincidence in date seems like a bad omen to me).
You may remember that Lee’s last start before going on the DL was the classic pitcher’s duel between he and Matt Cain in San Francisco on April 18th. It was possibly the best regular season start of Lee’s career, as he went 10 innings, allowing no runs with seven strikeouts.
Dillon Gee takes the ball for the Mets, and he could be just what the Phillies need to build a lead so big even their bullpen can’t blow it. In two career starts at The Bank, Gee has posted an ERA of 10.22. You can probably toss those numbers out though, as they were accumulated against a Phillies lineup far different from the one he’ll be facing in tonight’s game.
To get this win, the Phillies will need a solid effort from Lee, limiting the Mets runs and going deep into the ballgame. Their other option seems to be staking Lee to an early lead, holding it through the first four and a half innings, and praying for the rain that’s in tonight’s forecast to cut the game short. At this point, they’ll take a win any way they can get it.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Pierre LF, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Polanco 3B, Mayberry 1B, Schneider C, Galvis 2B, Lee P
Your gameday beer: Samuel Adams Boston Ale
I had a Boston Ale for the first time in a long time during last night’s games, and it really hit the spot. The Boston Ale is a lighter and less bitter counterpart to the Boston Lager. Flavorful and refreshing, its smooth and mild taste is perfect for a humid night. The thing I like most about it is that it’s less filling than a lot of Sam Adams selections. You can go through a whole six pack without even realizing it. And, with the way the Phils have been playing lately, a whole six pack may be just what the doctor ordered. Have it with a steak, like our forefathers would’ve wanted. – By Ryan
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