Gameday: Phillies (37-47) vs. Braves (43-39)
Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.35) vs. Tim Hudson (6-4, 3.87)
Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 95
Media: Twitter and Facebook
The Phillies lost another tough one in their series finale against the Mets. They head back home for a series with the Atlanta Braves before the All Star Break. The Braves are in third place, six games behind the Nationals.
Ryan Howard finally returns to the Phillies’ lineup tonight. Howard will make his first appearance in red pinstripes since he made the last out in the 2011 NLDS, where he painfully lied on the first base foul line. The Phillies could use Howard’s bat back in the lineup, but it may take awhile before he makes a big impact.
The Phillies will start Kyle Kendrick, who has struggled all season. Kendrick has a 7.67 ERA in his last five starts. He tends to have a couple good innings, but implodes during others.
Tim Hudson may be 36 years old, but he’s still getting batters out with his heavy sinker. Over the last couple years, Hudson has been very up and down against the Phillies. Sometimes he will shut down the Phillies, while other times he will struggle. At Citizens Bank Park, Hudson is 1-3 with a 4.30 ERA.
Your Gameday Beer– Today’s beer is Red Rocket Ale. Careful, this Amber/Red Ale is on fire. Its deep cinnamon color makes for a beautiful pour so be sure to release it from the bottle. Its hoppy, caramel malt flavor comes from a complex recipe of five different grains. If you can, roast a chicken with all the fix-ins. -By Brian
GO PHILLIES
