Gameday: Phillies (13-14) at Nationals (17-9)
Vance Worley (2-1, 1.97) vs. Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 1.82)
Time: 1:05 PM, Nationals Park
TV: CSN, MASN (for us VA people)
Weather: Scattered Rain, 81
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Coming off an extra inning loss is always tough. Especially when its a quick turn around to a day game. The Phillies will be back up early today to take on the surprise Nationals. Washington is leading the NL East 26 games into the season. One of the big reasons for their early success is their pitching staff.
Gio Gonzalez was brought in this past offseason to pitch and to pitch well. With young arms on the team ilke Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann, Gio was, in some sense of the word, to be the staff veteran. He is a solid right handed pitcher who with Oakland the past two years notched 21 victories. He has never faced this Phillies team and has a 1.82 ERA in 29.2 innings pitched this season.
Philadelphia will be asking Vance Worley to just keep doing what he’s doing. Just one month and five starts into his sophomore season, Worley is showing fans why Charlie Manuel wanted him in the rotation. In 32 innings this season he has a 1.97 ERA and 32 strikeouts. Worley is 2-1 in his young career against the Nationals.
Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre are the only two Phillies with hits off Gio, so I wouldn’t expect any barrage of offense tonight. Another low scoring, good pitching matchup is what we are in store for I think.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Wigginton 1B, Mayberry LF, Galvis 2B, Worley P
No I am not trying to pull a fast one over on you. I know this isn’t a beer. But it is Cinco de Mayo for crying out loud. Now, Herradura might not be your favorite brand but it is quite refreshing. Born in 1870, Herradura tradition is as interesting as its heritage. So for this holiday, go make margaritas, a mojito or take it straight to the face. Be safe and enjoy. -KC
GO PHILLIES
