Last night the Phillies gave their fans something to be happy about. In the series opener against Washington last night John Lannan returned after two months on the DL and took a no-decision against his former team. He allowed two earned on six hits through five innings. Headed into the ninth with a 4-3 lead, Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year after surrendering a game-tying home run. In the bottom half of the inning, fans went home happy after a Domonic Brown walkoff single gave the Phillies their 34th win of the season.
Tonight the Phillies will look to extend their winning streak to three as they send out Cliff Lee (8-2, 2.55 ERA) out on the mound to take on Ross Detwiler (2-4, 3.02 ERA) in a battle of lefties in this second game.
Cliff Lee is seeking his ninth win of the year after coming off of his eigth against Minnesota on Thursday. Lee allowed three hits, two runs, one walk and struck out six in seven solid innings against the Twins. Over his last five starts, Lee is 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA (9 ER in 38 2/3 IP) and has struck out 39 hitters opposite six walks. Lee has played stopper numerous times this season but tonight he has a chance to keep the Phillies rolling against the Nationals. In his career Lee is 5-3 with a 2.51 ERA against Washington.
Ross Detwiler is making his second start after coming off of the DL with an ankle injury. On Thursday Detwiler took a no-decision against Colorado after allowing three runs on six hits through five innings. The lefthander struck out two batters as well. Tonight will be Detwiler's 10th start of the season and his first against the Phillies this season. In his career against Philadelphia, Detwiler owns a 2-4 record with a 4.24 ERA.
Chooch is back!
Carlos Ruiz was activated this afternoon after spending time on the DL with a hamstring injury. In 16 games this season, Ruiz is hitting .235 with two RBI.
Game Notes:
- The Phillies have won five straight home games and nine of 14 and enter Tuesday 54-30 all-time against the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.
- Michael Young enters Tuesday two RBIs shy of 1,000 for his career.
- Chooch is back!
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- MichaelYoung 3B
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Delmon Young RF
- Kevin Frandsen 2B
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Cliff Lee P
Nationals lineup:
- Denard Span CF
- Anthony Rendon 2B
- Ryan Zimmerman 3B
- Jayson Werth Rf
- Adam LaRoche 1B
- Ian Desmond SS
- Kurt Suzuki C
- Steve Lombardozzi LF
- Ross Detwiler P
First Pitch Forecast: Cloudy – 76° – 5% PoP
TV: myPHL17
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
