Photo: Philliedelphia/Andrew Gillen
Last Sunday, in the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Mets, the Phillies, and their fans, were feeling pretty good. The team was up three runs with three outs to go, and were on the verge of a sweep. Moments later, Antonio Bastardo led the bullpen in blowing the lead, and the Phillies would eventually lose a brutal game. Since then, they've had a lacking offense and defensive struggles that forced them to drop two straight to the LA Angels of Anaheim. Now, at 17-21, morale is at an all-time low, and won't have the easiest task against the Cincinnati Reds. Fortunately, they will not have to face off against slugging first baseman Joey Votto. Game 1 will pit Kyle Kendrick against Alfredo Simon.
Thus far, Kyle Kendrick hasn't had the best of seasons, and it may be worse than indicated, much like teammate A.J. Burnett. His Fielder Independent Pitching is nearly a full point higher than his Earned Run Average, suggesting the gameplay of the Phillies has actually helped Kendrick look better. In the four starts he has gone at least seven innings, Kendrick has given up a total of seven runs. In those where he goes less than seven, the Phillies veteran has given up twelve runs. Look for the righty to go deeper into the game for optimal performance.
A 16-game starter for the Orioles back in 2011, Alfredo Simon was a reliever in Cincinnati for the last two seasons. Just like Kendrick, Simon will be making his eighth start of the season. Also like Kendrick, Simon his being aided by the defense behind him, even more heavily than the Phillies pitcher. An ERA of 2.89 is matched by a FIP of over 5.00. His last outing saw five earned runs given up in just three innings pitched. With both pitchers relying rather largely on their defense, this game could become a shootout.
Game Notes:
- Despite not having the greatest of seasons by his standards, Joey Votto is still a significant loss for the Reds. Look for offensive pickups from the rest of the Reds' lineup.
- John Mayberry Jr. is in the lineup tonight over Ben Revere. Revere has not been taken to kindly by folks watching this team, and has perhaps fallen out of favor with management. Jimmy Rollins takes the leadoff spot, while Carlos Ruiz moves to the two hole. Mayberry Jr. has an OBP of .286 this season.
- Reds' leadoff hitter Billy Hamilton is third in the league with 14 stolen bases. The Phillies are 24th in the majors in allowing players to advance on the basepaths this year, giving up 0.76 stolen bases a game.
Phillies Lineup
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- John Mayberry Jr. CF
- Cody Asche 3B
- Kyle Kendrick P
Cincinnati Reds
- Billy Hamilton CF
- Skip Schumaker RF
- Brandon Phillips 2B
- Todd Frazier 3B
- Devin Mesoraco C
- Ryan Ludwick LF
- Brayan Pena 1B
- Zack Cosart SS
- Alfredo Simon P
Weather: 64°F – Light Rain – 55% PoP
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First Pitch: 7:05 Eastern
Andrew Gillen, Philliedelphia Managing Editor/Gameday Coordinator
