Gameday: Phillies (0-1) at Reds (1-0), April 6
Time: 7:10 p.m.
Broadcast: TV – CSN and ESPN2; radio – 94.1 FM WIP
Weather: 61 degrees, thunderstorms
Media: Twitter and Facebook
Lineup: Hernandez 2B / Galvis SS / Herrera CF / Franco 3B / Ruf 1B / Rupp C / Bourjos RF / Goeddel LF / Nola SP
Notes for today: The 22-year-old Nola has never faced the Reds before. The 6’2″ 195-pound pitcher posted a 3-1 record along with a 3.80 ERA and a .267 batting average against in seven road starts as a rookie last season. Nola was the Phillies’ first-round draft selection (7th overall) in 2014 out of LSU.
Finnegan, who was also a first-round pick in 2014 (17th overall by KC), was acquired by Cincinnati last year in a trade for Johnny Cueto. In 20 big league appearances (four starts) last year, the 21-year-old posted a 5-2 record with a 3.56 ERA.
Outfielder Peter Bourjos in his career against the Reds has a .196/.275/.370 slash line in 29 games.
While facing lefties last season, first baseman Darin Ruf sported a .371/.447/.660 slash line. The 29-year-old will start in place of Ryan Howard, with the Phils facing a left-hander.
Third baseman Maikel Franco has a .429 average with two home runs and six RBI in seven career contests against the Reds. The righty slugger sported a .265 AVG with seven homers and 22 RBI in 41 road games last season.
Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is a career .301 hitter with 13 homers and 38 RBI against the Phillies in 49 games. The 29-year-old batted .235 at home last season in 77 games.
Shortstop Zack Cozart had a 3-for-3 season debut Monday. In 23 career games against the Phils, the 30-year-old has a .305 average with four homers and 13 RBI.
Outfielder Tyler Goeddel, the Phils’ first-overall Rule 5 selection, will make his major-league debut in left field tonight.
Your Gameday Beer: Tim’s choice for tonight is Psychopathy from MadTree Brewing out in Cincinnati. Never had it before, but it gets pretty good marks as a 6.9% IPA, 70 IBU. Drinkers say it’s probably a little hoppy for its own good, but with good floral and citrus notes, it’s close to a West Coast IPA is you’ll get in southern Ohio.
MadTree gets high marks from the local set, but it’s a little farther out from downtown Cincinnati – you have to drive north on Interstate 71 to get there. Stop by if you’re ever in the Queen City.
