Gameday: Phillies (27-25) vs Marlins (29-22)
Kyle Kendrick (1-4, 4.10) vs. Mark Buehrle (5-4, 3.26)
Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Chance of Thunderstorms, 75
Media: Twitter and Facebook
The Phillies will welcome the Marlins tonight in the first of a three game series that will be one of the most important series’ the Phils have had this year. The Marlins are currently a half game back of the first place Nationals, and 2.5 games ahead of the Phils.
A sweep by the Phillies would put them ahead of the Marlins in the standings, and a sweep by the Marlins would extend their lead on the Phils to 5.5 games. The Phillies really want to get themselves out of the basement of the NL East, and this series with the Marlins is a perfect place to do it.
Kyle Kendrick will get the start for the Phillies, and in his last start, he recorded his first win of 2012 by way of a complete game shutout in St. Louis. Tonight against the Marlins, however, we shouldn’t expect the same. Although he has a 7-2 record against them in 11 starts, he’s also posted a 4.39 ERA against them. That’s the Kyle Kendrick that we are used to seeing, and one that we should expect tonight.
Opposing him will be lefty Mark Buehrle, and he’s coming off a start in which he threw 7.1 innings of two run ball and got the win against the Giants. He’s posted a 3.26 ERA this year, but the Phillies gave him a loss back on April 12, in a game that he didn’t pitch all that bad–6.1 IP, 3 ER. He’s made four starts against the Phillies in his career, collecting three wins and that one loss in April, but like Kendrick, has a high ERA against the Phils–4.88 to be exact. The weather looks to be a little rough tonight, so it’s a good thing that a quick worker like Buehrle will be on the mound because the sooner the game is over, the better–or we might be in store for some delays.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Wigginton 1B, Luna LF, Mayberry CF, Galvis 2B, Kendrick P
GAMEDAY BEER: Pilsner Urquell
This Czech pils is just strong enough and tasty, just the way I like my beer. It’s not quite as light as other lagers, but it has a crisp look to it. Don’t be pushed away by it’s slightly bitter aroma, it’ll go down smoother than you think. There will be a slight, slight aftertaste to it, but don’t be alarmed. It’s quite refreshing. -By Pat
Go Phillies!
