Nation Notes: Mets vs. Phillies

New York Mets (70-56) at Philadelphia Phillies (50-77)

Starting Pitchers:
PHI: Aaron Harang, RHP (5-14, 4.67)
vs.
NYM: Jon Niese, LHP (8-9, 3.80)

Time: 7:05 EST, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Cloudy, 79 degrees
Media: Twitter and Facebook

A Note for Today:

After another loss to the Mets for the third straight game, the ‘best record since the all-star break’ excuse is looking a lot bleaker.  Perhaps it was the loss of the explosive bat of Maikel Franco?  Maybe the departure of our Ace?  Many arrows can be pointing in all directions, but looking forward to the future has it’s upsides.  The Phillies before this series with the Mets were only 2 games from being .500 at Citizens Bank Park, a feat that could be accomplished with some devotion and perseverance.

Maikel Franco making his way back before the end of the season could be a huge plus, but the expansion of the roster is a mere 5 days away and Nick Williams, who has been a huge return in the Cole Hamels deal, is turning heads, as well as Andrew Knapp, Phillies prospect catcher.

Aaron Altherr will make a start in the lineup today versus the Mets, and will bat 5th in the lineup.  Darnell Sweeney will look to come off the bench after going 1 for 4 last night in his first start at CBP.

Aaron Harang will get the start tonight for the Phillies after going 7.0 innings against the Marlins on August 22nd where he gave up 2 earned runs on 2 hits.

Jon Niese will face the Phillies after pitching last in Colorado where he gave up 11 hits and 7 earned runs.

First pitch is at 7:05 EST.

Lineup:

Hernandez 2B, Blanco 3B, Herrera CF, Francouer RF, Altherr LF, Ruf 1B, Ruiz C, Galvis SS,  Harang RHP