With Stanton due up in the top of the 11th, I can't say I had the greatest feeling about the game that was running pretty long last night when Jimmy Rollins homered off Dan Jennings to spite a heckler but most importantly send the team and fans home with a really nice win. Those heroics leave the Phillies seeking their first series sweep of the season against Miami this afternoon.
Kyle Kendrick makes his third start of the season and hopes to rebound from a rather miserable outing on Opening Day where he fell victim to two of Ryan Braun's three home runs on the afternoon amongst other blunders that led to a pretty ugly Tuesday afternoon. Tony Gwynn Jr. gets his third consecutive start at centerfield this afternoon and has been quite serviceable as Ben Revere heals from a rib injury. Wil Nieves handles catching duties this afternoon after a late night behind the plate for Ruiz last night.
Justin De Fratus has been sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and pitcher Luis Garcia has been recalled. Garcia has yet to allow an earned run in three appearances with the Iron Pigs and has struck out seven in 4.2 innings.
Facing Kendrick is Henderson Alvarez, best known for closing out last season with a no-hitter, who is 0-2 on the season thus far with a 4.15 ERA.
Game Notes:
- Chase Utley continues to hit better than ever carrying a .472/.537/.778 line into this afternoon's game.
- Kendrick is 21-16 wtih a 3.48 ERA against Miami in his career
- Alvarez faced the Phillies once last year and threw seven innings of two run ball. That's his only career start against Philadelphia.
Lineups:
PHILLIES
Tony Gwynn Jr. CF
Jimmy Rollins SS
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Marlon Byrd RF
Domonic Brown LF
Wil Nieves C
Cody Asche 3B
Kyle Kenrick SP
MARLINS
Christian Yelich LF
Adeiny Hechavarria SS
Giancarlo Stanton RF
Garrett Jones 1B
Casey McGehee 3B
Marcell Ozuna CF
Jeff Baker 2B
Jeff Mathis C
Henderson Alvarez SP
