Eickhoff, Verrett face off as Phillies look to strike back against Mets

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies (42-49) will look to rebound from their 5-3 second-half opener defeat against the New York Mets (48-41) as 26-year-old right-handers Jerad Eickhoff and Logan Verrett face off Saturday evening at Citizens Bank Park.

With 2013 All-Star RHP Matt Harvey placed on the disabled list with thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, Verrett will take the mound for his 43rd career appearance and 11th career start.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Logan Verrett — Age: 26;

• Last Start: July 9, 2016, vs. WSN: L, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 SO
• Career vs. PHI: (1-0), 4 G, 2 GS, GF, 12.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 11 SO, 2.92 ERA
  2016 vs. PHI: (1-0), 2 G, GS, GF, 7.0 IP, 7 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, 1.29 ERA

Saturday will be just the second time this season in which Verrett has thrown back-to-back starts, the other being April 13 and 19, where he combined for 12 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts, nine hits and three walks against the Miami Marlins and Phillies, respectively.

Jerad Eickhoff — Age: 26;

• Last Start: July 9, 2016, at COL: L, 5.1 IP, 8 H,  8 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO, HR
• Career vs. NYM: (1-4), 5 GS, 32.0 IP, 24 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 9 BB, 32 SO, 3 HR, 2.81 ERA
  2016 vs. NYM: (0-2), 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 12 SO, HR, 3.00 ERA

Eickhoff will take the mound for his 27th career start and his sixth while in opposition of the division-rival and reigning National League champion New York Mets. While the right-hander allowed eight runs in just five and one-third innings last Saturday, he posted a 2.25 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 44 innings over his previous seven starts dating back to June 2.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

• First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
• TV: NBC10
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

• The Phillies have dropped 21 of their last 28 home meetings against the Mets since June 23, 2013, outscored 160 to 98 and outhomered 45 to 22.
• Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera is hitless with one walk and three strikeouts in seven career plate appearances against Verrett. Herrera has just one hit, one walk and four strikeouts over his last 16 plate appearances for a .067/.125/.067 slash. His .290 season batting average is at its lowest mark since April 27.
• The Phillies are 29-5 this season with they outhit their opponent or when they lead after six innings. They have just a .022 winning percentage when they trail after eight innings, going 1-45.

Standings:

What's Next:

• Saturday, July 17, 2016: vs. New York Mets, 1:35 p.m.
• Citizens Bank Park
  
• RHP Jacob deGrom (5-4, 2.61 ERA) vs. RHP Zach Eflin (2-2, 4.08 ERA)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP