Phillies Look to Even Series with the A’s in Matinee

Last night, the Phillies (70-84) took the loss to the Oakland A’s (84-69). In the game, David Buchanan (6-8 3.77 ERA) pitched six and two third strong innings only giving up three runs and striking out six batters. Ryan Howard scored the lone run for the Phillies in the fourth with a blast to dead center field for this 22^nd home run of the season.

In today matinee, the Phillies will be looking to tie up this three game series at a game apiece. The Phillies will send veteran right-hander Jerome Williams (5-7 5.03 ERA) to the hill. Williams has pitched very well since coming over to the Phillies on waivers, going 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Williams will be opposed by Drew Pomeranz (5-4 2.53 ERA). Pomeranz returned to the big leagues in late August but has only started game,  going 5.1 innings. His last appearance did cover three innings of no run ball in relief.

Game Notes:

• Domonic Brown was scratched last night due to wrist soreness after a diving catch Thursday night. He will continue to rest today.
• Phillies top prospect, Shane Watson, who was out for the year due to shoulder surgery was suspended 50 games without pay after second positive test for a drug of abuse.
• Happy Birthday, Ken “100 mile” Giles!
• Carlos Ruiz sits once again.  Ruiz has missed time on and off this past week with a sore shoulder.

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Maikel Franco 1B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard DH
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Darin Ruf LF
7. Cody Asche 3B
8. Wil Nieves C
9. Freddy Galvis SS

Pitching: Jerome Williams

A’s Lineup:

1. Sam Fuld CF
2. Stephen Vogt 1B
3. Josh Donaldson 3B
4. Adam Dunn DH
5. Brandon Moss LF
6. Josh Reddick RF
7. Jed Lowrie SS
8. Derek Norris C
9. Eric Sogard 2B

Pitching: Drew Pomeranz

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET

Location: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Weather: 73^o F Overcast

TV: CSN, MLBN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

 Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia