In between Maikel Franco's heroics on Tuesday and Wednesday that helped the Phillies (21-35) get walk-off wins, the team has dropped nine other games in their last 11, including Friday night's series opener with the San Francisco Giants ().
Franco has been one of the only highlights for the Phillies of late, and he's certainly proving he belongs. Also trying to solidify his place on the roster is Severino Gonzalez, who takes the mound on Saturday afternoon.
Starting Pitching Matchup
|
San Francisco Giants (31-25) |
Philadelphia Phillies (21-35) |
||||
|
LHP |
Madison Bumgarner |
(6-2, 3.12 ERA) |
RHP |
Severino Gonzalez(2-1, 6.88 ERA) |
|
Gonzalez makes his first start since May 25, where he allowed three runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Mets. Prior to that, Gonzalez won back-to-back starts, going five innings in each. This is his first career start against the Giants and also his first start at Citizens Bank Park.
Madison Bumgarner completed a strong month of May despite taking the loss in his last start, allowing three runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings to the Braves. He had won five of his last six starts before that loss. In five career starts against the Phillies, Bumgarner is 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA.
Starting Lineups
|
San Francisco Giants (31-25) |
Philadelphia Phillies (18-24) |
||||
|
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
1 |
LF/L |
Norichika Aoki |
1 |
CF/L |
Ben Revere |
|
2 |
2B/L |
Joe Panik |
2 |
2B/S |
Cesar Hernandez |
|
3 |
CF/S |
Angel Pagan |
3 |
3B/R |
Maikel Franco |
|
4 |
C/R |
Buster Posey |
4 |
1B/R |
Darin Ruf |
|
5 |
1B/L |
Brandon Belt |
5 |
RF/R |
Jeff Francoeur |
|
6 |
SS/L |
Brandon Crawford |
6 |
LF/L |
Cody Asche |
|
7 |
3B/R |
Matt Duffy |
7 |
SS/S |
Freddy Galvis |
|
8 |
RF/L |
Gregor Blanco |
8 |
C/R |
Carlos Ruiz |
|
9 |
P/R |
Madison Bumgarner |
9 |
P/R |
Severino Gonzalez |
The Phillies load up on right-handed bats as Cesar Hernandez starts for Chase Utley, Darin Ruf hits cleanup in Ryan Howard's spot and Franco jumps into the third spot in the order. Ben Revere and Cody Asche are the only left-handed hitters in the lineup.
Joe Panik and Gregor Blanco enter the lineup for the Giants, while Friday's hero Buster Posey remains in the cleanup spot. Don't forget that Bumgarner is a solid hitter in his own right.
Game Notes
- Phillies vs. Bumgarner
- Carlos Ruiz: 3-for-11 (.273), 2B, RBI, K
- Ben Revere: 4-for-8 (.500), 2B, 2 RBI, K
- Darin Ruf: 1-for-4 (.250), 2B, K
- Phillies starting pitchers have thrown less than six innings in 25 starts this season, 44 percent of the team's games. The Phillies are 4-21 in those games.
- Despite losses to the Reds on Thursday and the Giants on Friday, the Phillies have won seven of their last 12 games at home.
- The Phillies are 2-8 in their last 10 games against the Giants losing three straight series to the defending World Series champions.
Gametime: 3:05 p.m.
Weather: 69 degrees, mostly cloudy, 30% PoP
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa.
TV: CSN
Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, SBP 1480 (Spanish)
Kevin Durso is a contributing writer and editorial assistant for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
