Yesterday was just, ugh, I can't even talk about how discouraging and painful yesterday's ball game was. I don't even want to think about it. However, to give today's preview, you're gonna need some insight on yesterday's 13-4 loss. The Phils looked promising early on, amounting a 4-0 lead, but when Kyle Kendrick got into a jam in the sixth inning everything went downhill. The Royals scored two runs on Kendrick, who left the game with the bases loaded after 5 2/3 innings of work. Jeremy Horst came on and surrendered a three-run triple and the Royals would tack on eight more runs before the end of the day, sending the Phillies fans (what was left of them) home either drunk or in tears.
Hopefully tonight things will rebound for the Phillies, who will give left-hander John Lannan (2012: 4-1, 4.13 ERA) his first start in a Phillies uniform. Lannan spent his entire career with the Washington Nationals, but after spending more time with their AAA affiliate than in the big leagues, he was non-tendered after the 2012 season. Lannan signed with the Phillies, a team he has not had great history against, for one year in December. Over the course of the spring, Lannan made five starts, posting a 7.71 ERA (18 ER in 21 IP). The total number looks bad, but it was mostly due to one bad start against Toronto where Lannan was shelled for 12 earned runs over four innings back on March 25th. Lannan improved during his next start, allowing just an earned run on three hits through three innings of work. Lannan has never faced the Royals in his career.
Opposing the Phillies, and looking to give the Royals a two-nothing lead in this weekend series will be righty Luis Mendoza (2012: 8-10, 4.23 ERA). Mendoza has spent the last three years of his career with the Royals, but it was just last year when he became a member of the starting rotation. In 30 games, 25 of which were starts, Mendoza went 8-10 with a 4.23 ERA and a .278 BAA. The 29-year-old will be making his first start of the season after posting a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA (5 ER in 16 2/3 IP) this spring. In his career against the Phillies, Mendoza has a perfect inning of work under his his belt.
Game Notes:
- The bullpen needs to be strong tonight incase Lannan exits early. Yesterday, the bullpen allowed eight runs in three innings.
- John Lannan is making his first start as a Phillie – Yippie!
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Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Michael Young 3B
- Domonic Brown LF
- John Mayberry Jr. RF
- Humberto Quintero C
- John Lannan P.
Royals lineup:
- Alex Gordon LF
- Alcides Escobar SS
- Billy Butler 1B
- Salvador Perez C
- Lorenzo Cain CF
- Jeff Francouer RF
- Miguel Tejada 3B
- Elliot Johnson 2B
- Luis Mendoza P.
Weather Forecast: 50° – Partly Cloudy – 10% PoP.
TV: The Comcast Network, MLB Network
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT
Go Phillies!
Erik Seybold is The Senior Bloglord of Journalistic Activities at Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
