Gameday: Phillies (17-21) at D-Backs (21-16)
Kyle Kendrick (4-1, 2.45) v. Brandon McCarthy (0-3, 6.75)
TIME: 4:10, Chase Field
TV: PHL 17
Weather: Upper 80’s partly cloudy
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Happy Mother’s Day from Phillies Nation!
Today is the day we get to see the pink bats, balls, and gear worn by the players in support of Mother’s Day. And on this beautiful day, the Phillies will send their best pitcher this year, Kyle Kendrick (…what?), to the mound in hopes to split the series with the D-Backs.
Kendrick has been phenomenal so far. He’s posting a 2.45 ERA, and has been the most consistent starter on the Phils. It’s a bit surprising to be typing this about Kendrick, but I think he’s finally arrived to his potential in MLB. And it’s a great thing to see.
For the D-Backs, Brandon McCarthy gets the start, and, as remarkable as it is that he is still pitching after his horrific injury, he hasn’t been very good this year. He’s posting a 6.75 ERA, and I’ve got to believe that his head injury is somehow affecting him. He’s coming off his best start of the year, a 6.1 inning, ER performance against the Dodgers. He gets to face a Phillies offense today that’s scored a total of nine runs in the last four games, with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Michael Young combining for four total hits in 41 at-bats.
Even though the Phillies can rely on Kendrick to hopefully throw a good game, they need to score runs. It may be a bit easier with McCarthy on the mound, but the Phils have made some mediocre pitchers look like Cy Young Award candidates this year. Hopefully that won’t be the case this afternoon.
Lineup: Revere CF, Rollins SS, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, D Young RF, Brown LF, Galvis 3B, Kratz C, Kendrick P
A seasonal from the Blue Moon branch of Coors, Rising Moon has a hint of citrus undertone with lime taking the lead; a nice choice for the improving spring weather. It is the offshoot of a bigger, corporate brewer, so you will get some of the flavorings and finishes that are typical of such an establishment. But couple it with some meat or fish after grilling and you’ve got a solid pairing. Besides, you’re all closet Miller Lite drinkers in the end.
GO PHILLIES!
