Categories: NewsPosts

Gameday: Nationals (24-17) vs. Phillies (21-21)

Washington Nationals (24-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-21)

Gio Gonzalez (5-1, 2.22) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-3, 5.96)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Showers, 65
Media: Twitter and Facebook

As you likely know, Jimmy Rollins is not in the lineup as he celebrates the birth of his first child, a baby girl, with his wife, Johari. Freddy Galvis moves to the other side of second base, Mike Fontenot jumps in for his first start with the Phillies since being recalled.

But, the scariest news of the day belongs to Vance Worley. He’s seeing Dr. James Andrews, according to Ruben Amaro Jr. Never a good sign.

Other than that, Jim Thome is swinging a bat but has not taken fielding practice. Placido Polanco is feeling better and is back in the lineup. Good things, I guess.

For tonight, the Phillies will face Gio Gonzalez. If you’re worried, you should be. With a makeshift order, plus a dominant lefty on the hill in addition to a struggling Kyle Kendrick pitching for the Phils, things could get a little ugly at the Bank. On May 5, Gonzalez gave up one run over seven innings, striking out seven against the Phillies.

Really, the key tonight is Kendrick. If he can keep it close by giving up four runs or less, the Phillies may have a shot.

Lineup: Pierre LF, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Mayberry 1B, Galvis SS, Fontenot 2B, Kendrick P

Your gameday beer: Guinness Black Lager

Tonight is a great night for a darker beer. It’s overcast and crappy. Plus, it’s a bit chilly. Black Lager is warming and isn’t as thick as regular Guinness. Of course, I enjoy the original much more, however, this is really a decent alternative for a more mainstream drink. Would go well with a beef stew. -Pat

GO PHILLIES!

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.