Blanton, Nolasco Face Off In Series Finale

The Phillies have already lost this three-game set in Miami and today they will try to salvage a win to prevent a sweep. At 36-44, the Phillies sit 10 games out of first place and are eight games under the .500 mark. Joe Blanton will play the role of the sweep stopper today against the Marlins. Opposing will be Ricky Nolasco, who is pushing for a sweep.

Blanton (7-6, 4.87 ERA) is coming off of a winning effort against the Pirates on Monday. Blanton tossed seven innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out eight. Blanton has allowed 17 home runs in 48 1/3 innings over a span of eight starts. Back on June 3, Blanton was shelled for five earned runs on nine hits, two home runs, while walking one and striking out six against the Marlins in a losing effort. One of those home runs was off of pitcher Carlos Zambrano. In his career, Blanton is 7-3 with a 3.49 ERA against the Marlins.

Ricky Nolasco (6-6, 4.78 ERA) is coming off of a solid start against the Cardinals on Monday. The right hander allowed four hits over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. Nolasco did walk three and only struck out four, but still earned the no-decision. Back on June 2, Nolasco tosses seven innings against the Phillies, yielding four earned runs on eight hits. Nolasco got the win in his only start against the Phillies this season. In his career, Nolasco is 7-4 with a 3.67 ERA against the Phillies.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is making good progress with his rehab stint. The big peice will play in both games of a doubleheader today in Lehigh Valley for the IronPigs. 

Today's lineup @Miami:

1. J-Roll SS
2. Pierre LF
3. Pence RF
4. Chooch C
5. Vic CF
6. Polly 3B
7. Wiggy 1B
8. Fontenot 2B
9. Blanton P.

TV: myPHL17 ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.