Gameday: Phillies (45-55) at Braves (55-44)
Joe Blanton (11-4, 3.23 ERA) vs. Mike Minor (2-0, 0.00 ERA)
Time: 7:10, Turner Field
TV: CSN
Weather: Upper 70′s, chance of rain, t-storms
Media: Twitter and Facebook
After an ugly loss to the Braves in the series opener last night, the Phils look to bounce back tonight, weather permitting. There will be showers and possible thunderstorms rolling through Atlanta during the game, and the last thing the Phillies want is a delay that will force them to turn to the bullpen too early.
However, they may need to do that anyway, as Joe Blanton will take the mound, and he isn’t exactly having a good year, even for a 5th starter. He is 8-8 with a 4.70 ERA but get this: his 4.10 FIP is near the bottom among all qualified pitchers in the NL. On top of that, Phillie Killer Brian McCann is 10-24 off Blanton in his career with three home runs.
On the mound for the Braves will be Mike Minor, and he is even worse than Blanton this year. Minor is 5-7 with a 5.49 ERA and his 5.25 FIP is dead last in the NL among qualified pitchers. With these two guys on the mound tonight, there are sure to be a lot of runs scored.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Pence RF, Wigginton 3B, Mayberry LF, Kratz C, Blanton P.
This one is in honor of Big Joe. Kentucky Bourbon Barrell Ale has subtle flavors of vanilla and oak, aged 6 weeks in bourbon barrells. Support the Cornfed Colossus by sipping on Lexington’s best export since 1794 during the game today. -By Ian
GO PHILLIES
