After ASG, .500 Phillies Look To Make Second Half Count; Kendrick Takes On Mets In Series Opener Tonight

After a much needed break this week due to the All-Star Game, the Phillies (48-48) will look to prove that they can be buyers this come July 31st and make a push for a postseason spot. After finishing with a extremely dissapointing 81-81 record last season, the Phillies – now with new assets in Michael Young and a break-out Domonic Brown – are looking to make this home stretch count. Tonight Kyle Kendrick (8-6, 3.68 ERA) will make the start against Jeremy Hefner (4-6, 3.33 ERA) and the New York Mets as the Phillies look to get a jump on things in late July.

Kyle Kendrick finished the first half of the season strong, allowing one run over seven innings in a win against the Nationals last Thursday. Kendrick allowed five hits and walked one while striking out two. Although he had struggled in his two starts prior, the Phillies have hopes that Kendrick can be solid and strong in the second half – a place where the Phillies need him most. Kendrick has pitched against the Mets twice this season, winning both decisions including a complete game, three-hit shutout on April 26th. In his career against the Mets, Kendrick is 7-7 with a 3.19 ERA. 

Jeremy Hefner has been dominant since the start of June and he would love to carry into the end of July and through the second-half of the season. Posting a 3-1 mark with a 1.76 ERA and holding opponents to a .216 batting average in his past eight starts, Hefner has gone 4-1 in his last 10 starts. Hefner has faced the Phillies twice this season, going 1-1. On June 21st, Hefner held the Phillies in check for two runs over six innings of work. In his career against Philadelphia, Hefner is 2-2 with a 11.02 ERA.

Game Notes:

• David Wright has Kendrick's number, hitting .357 (10-for-28) with 2 home runs and 4 RBI.
• The Phillies and Mets have split their six games at Citizens Bank Park this season, but the Phils swept their three-game set at Citi Field in April.
  
• If you have tickets for tonight's game, you can see Nas perform FOR FREE.

Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Michael Young 3B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Domonic Brown LF
5. Darin Ruf 1B
6. Delmon Young RF
7. John Mayberry CF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Kyle Kendrick P

Mets lineup:

1. Eric Young Jr. LF
2. Daniel Murphy 2B
3. David Wright 3B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Ike Davis 1B
6. John Buck C
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis CF
8. Omar Quintanilla SS
9. Jeremy Hefner P

First Pitch Forecast: Partly Cloudy – 91°, feels like 99° (humidity 55%) – 20% PoP

TV: myPHL17
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT.

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.