Blanton Looks to Remain Stellar As He Takes On Mets

We can all agree that in our lifetimes we'd never expect to see Joe Blanton throw a complete game shut out. Well last Thursday, Joe Blanton (3-3, 2.83 ERA) showed us wrong when he tossed an 88-pitch 3-hit complete game shutout against the Braves in a 4-0 win. 

After the Phillies lost last night's bout 5-2 , the Phillies fell to 14-16 and also fell behind in the sereis with the Mets. Tonight, Big Joe will look to stay dominant for a second straight start while also attempting to even the series with the Mets at one-a-piece. Blanton's last start, as you already know by now, was spectacular. Along with being his first complete game shutout in over five years, it was his first complete game shutout as a Phillie. He beat the Braves in just 88 pitches while striking out six Braves. In his career against the Mets, Blanton is 3-1 with a 3.50 ERA.

The Phillies will take on Miguel Batista ( 0-1, 6.92 ERA), who is making a spot start for the slumping Chris Schwinden. Batista has made a spot start before, allowing six runs on eight hits through 3 2/3 innings against the Giants. In 10 appearances (13 innings), Batista has allowed 10 earned runs. Batista has a 3-3 record with a 4.55 ERA against the Phillies.

The Phils scored two runs last night, but they didn't capitalize in key situations. In total, the Phillies left 22 men on base last night. That is pretty freaking bad, even against the Mets. The only Phillie runs came in the first two innings and they would not score another the entire night, handing Roy Halladay another no-decision.

Tonight's lineup vs Mets: 

1. Rollins SS
2. Pierre LF
3. Victorino CF
4. Pence RF
5. Ruiz C
6. Polanco 3B
7. Mayberry1B
8. Orr 2B
9. Blanton P.

TV: myPHL17 ; Radio : 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Erik Seybold is a Contributor for Philliedelphia. Contact him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.