Atlanta Braves (63-46) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (49-60)
Mike Minor (6-7, 5.01) vs. Cole Hamels (11-6, 3.34)
Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 88
Media: Twitter and Facebook
With last night’s 6-1 defeat, the Phillies have lost seven straight to Atlanta. Not only did they lose the game, but they lost their sell-out streak as well. It’s time for a new streak to begin: in both victories and attendance.
Cole Hamels hasn’t pitched that well in his last few starts. In his last three starts, he is 0-2 with a 5.03 ERA. Hamels is still having a great season, and it would be nice to see him go on a roll before the season comes to a close.
Drafted in 2009 out of Vanderbilt, Minor was considered to be a notable prospect in the Braves’ system. Although he is still young, he hasn’t panned out as well as the Braves had hoped — for now. Minor has yet to find his groove in the big leagues, with a career 4.88 ERA, but there is still time for him to improve as he has plenty of potential. He has been much better recently, posting a 1.45 ERA in his last three starts, and a 1.98 ERA during the entire month of June. His season stats might not be impressive, but he is in the midst of a hot streak.
Tonight’s matchup is interesting. Minor, who hasn’t kicked off his career as well as he would have liked, is riding a hot streak. On the other hand, Hamels’ career is worth $144 million, but he has been struggling as of late.
LINEUP: Rollins SS, Brown LF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Kratz C, Schierholtz RF, Frandsen 3B, Hamels P
GAMEDAY BEER: Sweetwater Blue
SweetWater Blue is a unique light-bodied ale with a hint of fresh blueberries. It begins with an appealing blueberry aroma and finishes as a surprisingly thirst-quenching ale. It’ll certainly be hard to find in the Philly region, but if you know of one of those crazy 6-pack stores that has EVERYTHING, look for this, or at least ask about it. It’s an Atlanta-based brewing company. And while I’m not particularly fond of fruity beer, a hint I don’t mind. Get out that chicken and the Sweet Baby Rays and make this a sweet night. -By Pat
GO PHILLIES
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