The Phillies return home after a successful road trip. Tonight Phillies fans will get their first up close and personal glimpse of the team's newest pitcher.Pedro Martinez will make his home debut tonight when he pitches against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. Martinez picked up a win in his first game of the season in Chicago against the Cubs. In just five innings Martinez struck out five batters and walked one but allowed three runs to score on seven hits against a tough hitting team.
Arizona brings the third lowest batting average in the National League but the fourth highest home run total. If they get on the bases watch out, because the Diamondbacks also have the second most stolen bases in the league with 88.
Taking the mound for Arizona will be Jon Garland. Garland took the loss in his last outing against the Phillies, giving up six runs on five hits, although only three runs were earned, back on July 27. The Arizona pitcher will look for his second win of the month. In his previous two outings Garland received a no decision against the Mets and Nationals. He lasted six innings in each game and walked three batters combined while striking out 12.
The Phillies are looking to get over .500 at home. The NL East division leaders are 29-29 at Citizens Bank Park. Arizona is 26-30 on the road this season and 15-16 against the NL East. The Phillies are 15-12 against NL West competition this season.
Phillies Record: 66-49
Rockies Record: 54-65
NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)
- PHILLIES 66-49, -
- Marlins 63-55, 4.5
- Braves 62-56, 5.5
- Mets 55-63, 12.5
- Nationals 43-75, 24.5
Pitching probables: Martinez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Garland (6-10, 4.28 ERA )
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
First pitch: 7:05pm EST
Season Series: Phillies lead 2-1
7.27 @ Arizona W 6-2
7.28 @ Arizona W 4-3
7.29 @ Arizona L 0-4
Open thread for the game will be posted at 6:30pm. Game recap will be up by 8am tomorrow.
Original Story:
http://macho-row.blogspot.com/2009/08...
