Rubber Match Pits Kendrick Against Wood in a Sunday Matinee

This season, much like the last few, has been beyond frustrating for starting pitcher Cole Hamels. He's been nothing short of stellar on the mound for the Phillies, and yet, the success does not typically show in the form of a team victory. It had gotten to the point where you could consistently expect seven innings and a run or two, sometimes even better, from Hamels, but not nearly enough support from the offense. Last night, while the offense did not exactly "put it all together," they did manage to score more than Hamels allowed to secure the victory. Perhaps that sign of change for Hamels will translate to an adjustment for Kyle Kendrick, who has had his own set of issues this season.

In case the turmoil of Kyle Kendrick's season has yet to drill into your brain, let me reiterate. HE IS REALLY REALLY BAD IN THE FIRST INNING. Kendrick has been well-known to allow multiple runs in his first trip through the opponent's lineup. In fact, when Kendrick last faced the Braves back on June 27th, he surrendered three earned runs in the opening frame, a three-run home run to Freddie Freeman (this one, in fact). He'd only allow one more run in his next seven innings of work, but just two runs of support from the offense left Kendrick with the loss. Should Kendrick be able to settle his first inning jitters, he could have a career game.

Alex Wood has spent time as both a starter and a reliever for the Atlanta Braves. In his bullpen role, Wood's ERA is nearly two full runs higher than it is as a starter. In that same token, eight percent more of the batters Wood faced in relief reached base. As a starter, Wood is averaging eight strikeouts and two walks per nine innings, also pitching to an overall FIP of 3.45. Wood's latest outing was against the Chicago Cubs, a modest performance that saw him give up four earner runs in 5.1 innings. Back in April, Wood faced the Phillies in his fourth start of the season. That day, Alex went eight innings while only allowing a single run in an eventual Braves loss. 

Game Notes

• In his first five games with the Phillies, Grady Sizemore has gone 8-for-22. He has at least a single hit in each game, and has had multiple knocks in the last two games. Sizemore has two doubles to go along with two walks.
• After his scoreless performance last evening, Ken Giles has given up just a single run in fifteen total innings pitched. He's on a monstrous pace of twelve strikeouts and less than two walks per nine innings. 
• The Phillies currently sit ten games back in both the National League Eastern Divison and Wild Card. According to FanGraphs.com, the team has a 0.2% chance to make the 2014 playoffs.
• Ryan Howard gets a day of rest in favor of John Mayberry Jr. Mayberry is hitting .212 this season with five home runs. 

Phillies Lineup

1. Grady Sizemore CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Domonic Brown LF
6. John Mayberry Jr. 1B
7. Cody Asche 3B
8. Koyie Hill C
9. Kyle Kendrick P

Braves Lineup

1. B.J. Upton CF
2. Andrelton Simmons SS
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Justin Upton LF
5. Jason Heyward RF
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Tommy La Stella 2B
8. Gerald Laird C
9. Alex Wood P

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
Weather: 74°F – Drizzle – 39% PoP
Game Time: 1:35 PM Eastern

Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com