Today, the Phillies (54-70) will welcome in a team they've only played nine times before, the Seattle Mariners (67-56). Just 2-7 all-time against the Mariners, the Phillies are coming off of a weekend in which they lost two out of three in San Francisco to the Giants. Meanwhile, Seattle went into Detroit this weekend and took two out of three from Miguel Cabrera and the Tigers.
Taking the mound for his second start this season as a Phillie is Jerome Williams (0-0, 3.38). In his first start for the team, Williams lookd alright, giving up two runs in 5 1/3 innings of work in the Phillies loss to the Angels. It was the first time Williams pitched in 11 days after being put on waivers, so it will be interesting to see his stuff after less rest this time around. Having pitched for the Angels, Astros and Rangers, Williams has seen the Mariners a handful of times. He has a career 5-2 record with a 3.58 ERA against Seattle. This year, he has appeared in three games against them, surrendering four runs over seven innings out of the bullpen.
The Mariners will send Roenis Elias (9-9, 4.14) to oppose Williams in tonight's matchup. He is coming off of a start in Triple-A Tacoma, where he tossed five no-hit innings against New Orleans. Elias was optioned to the minors to skip a big league start in order to limit his rookie workload. Over his last four starts for the Mariners, Elias is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA. In his last outing for Seattle, against the White Sox on August 7th, he gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings in the Mariners 13-3 win.
Game Notes:
- Robinson Cano is 5-for-8 with a homer and three RBI's in his career against Jerome Williams while Seattle left fielder Dustin Ackley is just 5-for-26 with a double and three RBI's.
- The Mariners have won 10 of 12 and jumped into the second American League Wild Card spot.
- John Mayberry Jr. will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday in Triple-A. He will play all three outfield positions and some first base during his time with Lehigh Valley. Mayberry has been sidelined since July 21st with a wrist injury.
- With a .314 average heading into tonight's game, Ben Revere is making a serious case for the NL Batting Title believe it or not. He trails just Justin Morneau, who is hitting .323 on the year. Revere places 8th in all of MLB in batting average.
- Jimmy Rollins gets the night off after an 0-for-4 day at the plate with three strikeouts yesterday. Andres Blanco starts for him while Darin Ruf will man left field. None of the Phillies hitters have seen Elias before.
Phillies Lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Darin Ruf LF
- Cody Asche 3B
- Andres Blanco SS
- Jerome Williams P
Mariners Lineup:
- Austin Jackson CF
- Dustin Ackley LF
- Robinson Cano 2B
- Kendrys Morales 1B
- Kyle Seager 3B
- Mike Zunino C
- Logan Morrison RF
- Chris Taylor SS
- Roenis Elias P
Weather: 79°F – Partly Cloudy – 0% PoP
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Game Time: 7:05 PM Eastern
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
