Nation Notes: Padres vs. Phillies

San Diego Padres (62-65) at Philadelphia Phillies (50-78)

Starting Pitchers:
PHI: Aaron Nola, RHP (4-1, 3.59)
vs.
SD: Ian Kennedy, RHP (8-11, 4.01)

Time: 7:05 EST, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 81 degrees
Media: Twitter and Facebook

A Note for Today:

Coming off a sweep by the Mets is a major hurt to the Phillies, especially the fans who have had to put up with the unruly opposing travelers the past few days here at CBP.  But in come the San Diego Padres to save the day, or is it.

The Padres have made a push during the second half of the season so far in attempt to make their way into close reigns of the wild card spots.  They swept the Atlanta Braves, and took two from the St. Louis Cardinals before coming back to earth and losing two against the Nationals in their last series.

The Padres will face the new Phillies Ace, Aaron Nola, who has started 7 games and holds a 4-1 record on the mound.  Nola gave up just 3 hits in his last start with no earned runs, over 8.0 innings in a gem we hope to see more of.

Aaron Altherr will get his second start in a row finally after showing off his throwing capabilities in last nights’ game.  Altherr is batting .250 with 24 at bats, while includes 2 home runs and 4 doubles.

Ryan Howard will get the start on first again tonight after sitting out against lefty, Jon Niese.

First pitch at 7:05 EST.

Lineup:

Hernandez 3B, Herrera CF, Altherr RF, Howard 1B, Blanco 3B, Asche LF, Brown RF, Rupp C, Galvis SS, Nola RHP