I'll tell you what, last night was exciting! After getting their butts handed to them on Friday and trailing all the way to the ninth yesterday, the Phillies were able to make a comeback and tie the series after Kevin Frandsen won the game with a three-run double in the ninth. John Lannan threw a great game, allowing three earned runs on five hits through seven innings. He received the no-decision in his first start as a Phillie. With the series tied one-a-piece, Cole Hamels (0-1, 9.00 ERA) and James Shields (0-1, 1.50 ERA) will go toe-to-toe seeking their first win while seeking the series win this afternoon.
Hamels was roughed up on Monday against the Braves, an Opening Day start he is looking to put behind him. Hamels was hit for five earned runs on seven hits through five innings of work. Hamels surrendered three home runs to the Braves, while walking one and striking out five. After starting the season on a bad note, the Phillies' number one man in the rotation is looking to build on last night's momentum and give the Phillies their first series win of the season.
James Shields is looking to come back from a tough-loss against the White Sox on Monday. The right-hander tossed six strong innings, yielding an earned run on eight hits while striking out six. The White Sox would go on to win as the Royals were unable to mount any runs against Chris Sale and the bullpen. Shields was traded to Kansas City in December after spending his entire career with Tampa Bay.
Game Notes:
- Key: Win today's game. A series win is a great way to cap the weekend off.
- Ezequiel Carrera makes his first Phillies start today in right field.
- Kevin Frandsen does not get a start after his big day.
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Michael Young 3B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Erik Kratz C
- Ezequiel Carrera RF
- Cole Hamels P
Royals lineup:
- Alex Gordon LF
- Alicedes Escobar SS
- Billy Butler 1B
- Salvador Perez C
- Jeff Francoeur RF
- Mike Moustakis 3B
- Lorenzo Cain CF
- Chris Getz 2B
- James Shields P
Weather forecast: 58° – Mostly Sunny – 20% PoP.
TV: MyPHL17
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT.
Go Phillies!
Erik Seybold wrote most of this, but then bailed out early and went to the game, making Frank finish it. Follow him on Twitter.
