Categories: 2013 GamedayAnalysisNewsOpinionPosts

Gameday: Phillies vs. Braves

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves

Time: 7 PM, Turner Field
TV: PHL 17, ESPN2
Weather: Clear, 62
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Baseball is back. Be excited.

The 2013 season kicks off against the division rival Atlanta Braves, a team the Phillies will certainly be jockeying with for position in the playoff race. But for tonight, it’s just game one of 162. And it’s a solid match up on the hill.

Cole Hamels is the Opening Day starter, and why not? He’s enjoyed success against the Braves during his career and hopes to carry that into the opener. Hamels sports a 3.57 ERA against the Braves in 27 career starts, going 12-7. He hardly owns them, but in an early season matchup with a strikeout-heavy lineup, it’s quite appealing.

Tim Hudson is the Braves #1 this year, and we’ve also seen plenty of him. Ryan Howard likes to face the righty, putting up a career slash line of .338/.436/.708 with 7 home runs.

Enjoy the game!

LINEUP: Revere CF, Rollins SS, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Young 3B, Brown LF, Mayberry RF, Kratz C, Hamels P

QUESTIONS: Which Phillie needs to get off to a hot start to ensure a solid April? Should Cole Hamels have kept the mustache a little longer?

GAMEDAY BEER – Yards Brawler

Who’s ready for an early season brawl with a bitter division rival? You are. Cuddle up on the couch with a few bottles of Yards Brawler, which is in the style of English session ales. This malt-forward, ruby colored ale features flavors of freshly baked bread and caramel that dominate the aroma and palate. It’s one of the best Yards has to offer, and a favorite of Phillies Nation. Pair it on the menu with a little pulled pork on a fresh roll. -PG

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.