The Philadelphia Phillies (19-14) have had a surprisingly strong start to their 2016 campaign. Playing with modest expectations, some of the Phillies’ young players, namely Odubel Herrera and Maikel Franco, have stepped up while Ryan Howard has clubbed seven home runs to start his last season in Philadelphia. On the mound, starters Vincent Velasquez (4-1, 2.17 ERA) and Aaron Nola (2-2, 2.93 ERA) have exceeded expectations thus far. Philadelphia’s home slate in May will include a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds and three series against its NL East foes.
An overview of Philadelphia’s top games in May are presented below, according to data provided by TiqIQ:
5/14/16 vs. Cincinnati Reds | John Lamb vs. Aaron Nola | Get-in: $22
The Cincinnati Reds will travel to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game set against the Phillies. Cincinnati (13-19) has gotten off to a slow start this season, but its lineup features some of the best hitters in baseball. Cincinnati’s lineup, which includes Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Jay Bruce, will present an interesting challenge for Nola. Philadelphia will be seeking some revenge after getting swept in Cincinnati to start the season. Phillies tickets against the Reds start at $22 for Saturday’s game. All fans that attend the game will receive a Phillies baseball cap.
5/16/16 vs. Miami Marlins | Wei Yin Chen vs. Jerad Eickhoff | Get-in: $27
The Miami Marlins (16-14) will travel to Citizens Bank Park for a brief three-game set starting on Monday, May 16th. This match-up will feature two pitchers, Wei Yin Chen (4.76 ERA) and Jerad Eickhoff (4.21 ERA), that have struggled early on. Fans that attend Monday’s game will need to bring their appetite to the ballpark because Philadelphia is featuring its monthly ‘Dollar Dog Giveaway’ at the park. Those traveling to Philadelphia can also find great accommodations on Hipmunk. Hotels in Philadelphia start at $89 each night this weekend.
5/21/16 vs. Atlanta Braves | Jhoulys Chacin vs. Adam Morgan | Get-in: $22
The Atlanta Braves (7-23) will travel to Philadelphia for a three-game set that starts on Friday, May 20th. Saturday’s game will feature a pitching matchup between Jhoulys Chacin (1-2, 5.40 ERA) and Adam Morgan (0-0, 6.00 ERA). These two pitchers have struggled early on, so expect runs to be scored in this game. In addition to a potential high-scoring affair, all children in attendance will receive a Phanatic children’s book.
5/22/16 vs. Atlanta Braves | Aaron Blair vs. Jerad Eickhoff | Get-in: $21
The Braves and Phillies will close out their three-game series on Sunday, May 22nd. All fans in attendance will receive a Phillies’ visor. Aaron Blair (0-2, 3.30 ERA) gave up three runs and walked four in his most recent star while the Braves’ Jerad Eickhoff (1-4) received a no decision in his last outing against Cleveland.
5/30/16 vs. Washington Nationals | Gio Gonzalez vs. Vince Velasquez | Get-in: $14
The first place Washington Nationals (19-12) will travel to Philadelphia for a three-game set that starts on Monday, May 30th. Phillies’ fans will likely see their top young pitchers square off against the Nationals. In fact, watching Velasquez and Nola face Bryce Harper and Co. will provide a decent measuring stick at this point in the season. Washington is widely regarded as one of the top teams in baseball, so expect fans to flock to the ballpark. Nationals’ fans traveling to Philadelphia can find great travel accommodations on Hipmunk. Flights to Philadelphia from Washington DC start from just $78.
