Coming off a home sweep of the division rival New York Mets, the Phillies will get right back at it as the Cincinnati Reds come to town.Tonight's game should be a tough one for batters as Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto takes the mound. Cueto took the loss in his only career start against the Phillies earlier this season. Cueto gave up four runs through seven innings and was beaten by his opponent tonight, Cole Hamels.
For Hamels a quality start is due. Since throwing his gem in Los Angeles Hamels has been average at best and has failed to get through five innings in his previous two starts. Though he went eight solid innings against Baltimore (and took the loss in a 2-1 game) Hamels has taken a loss in three straight starts. The time for Hamels to get back on track is tonight. Hamels is 4-0 against Cincinnati in his five career starts with a 1.25 ERA.
Jimmy Rollins and Brad Lidge, two stars who had struggled earlier in the season to this point, seemed to make Phillies fans feel a little better over the weekend. Rollins has recorded a hit in four games, and had multi-hit games in three of those. Against the Reds in his career Rollins is hitting .292 with six home runs and 43 runs scored.
Lidge has recorded a save in each of his first three save opportunities since returning from the disabled list. In those games he has allowed just one hit and one walk.
The Phillies lead the season series two games to one. The clubs met in Cincinnati in May.
Phillies Record: 42-37
Reds Record: 40-40
NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind):
- PHILLIES 42-37, -
- Marlins 43-40, 1.0
- Braves 39-42, 4.0
- Mets 39-42, 4.0
- Nationals 24-55, 18.0
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
First pitch: 7:05 pm
Season Series: Phillies lead 2-1
5.19 @ Cincinnati W 4-3 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
5.20 @ Cincinnati L 1-5 Preview/Open Thread/Recap
5.21 @ Cincinnati W 12-5 Preview/Live Blog/Recap
Open thread to be posted at 6:30pm. Recap of the game will be up before 8am tomorrow morning.
Original Story:
http://macho-row.blogspot.com/2009/07...
