Categories: 2014 GamedayAnalysisNewsOpinionPosts

Gameday 20: Phillies vs. Dodgers

Philadelphia Phillies (9-10) at Los Angeles Dodgers (12-8)

Starting Pitchers:
PHI: A.J. Burnett (0-1, 2.74)
vs.
LAD: Hyun-Jin Ryu (3-1, 1.93)

Time: 10:05, Dodger Stadium
TV: The Comcast Network
Weather: Sunny, 66
Media: Twitter and Facebook

A Note for Tonight:

The Phillies can return to .500 with a victory tonight against a very stout hurler in Ryu. They’ll do it without Chase Utley who gets a day of rest after tearing up pitching through much of the first month. Ryne Sandberg said he has to think long term with Utley and a breather here and there is to be expected.

As for Ryu, he’s been one of the most under appreciated pitchers in baseball. He hasn’t allowed a run since his first start of the season on April 4 against San Francisco. AJ Burnett says that, despite his hernia, he is able to shorten his stride keeping himself in control through his entire pitching motion. But he’s only done that through one start, and each one is important. Let’s see how Burnett can hold up. Keeping free passes to a minimum is a must against a Dodgers club that can rake if given the chance, which Cliff Lee did not do last night.

Lineup:

Revere CF / Rollins SS / Byrd RF / Howard 1B / Ruiz C / Brown LF / Nix 2B / Galvis 3B / Burnett P

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.