Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies Look to Start Series on Right Foot

Late last night, in the 14^th inning, Chase Utley turned on a fastball right down the middle to walk the Phillies (36-42) off with a 5-3 win over the Marlins (39-40). With that win, the Phillies split the series with the Marlins. Cole Hamels (2-4 2.84 ERA) started the game against the Marlins and went seven innings giving up three runs all on solo shots. After Hamels left the game, the bullpen went seven scoreless innings giving up only three hits.

Tonight, the Phillies open a four game series, including a double header tomorrow, against the division rival, Atlanta Braves (40-38). The Phillies will send Kyle Kendrick (3-7 4.20 ERA) to the hill. In Kendrick’s last start, he took the loss against the Cardinals. Kendrick got a little beaten up in that start giving up five runs on eight hits over six innings. Atlanta will counter with their young gun, Julio Teheran (6-5 2.41 ERA). Teheran took the loss in his last start versus the Nationals, even though he struck out ten batters through seven innings. He gave up three runs on seven hits in that start. In his last start versus the Phillies, Teheran took the no decision going eight innings giving up only one run on four hits, off Ryan Howard’s home run. The Braves went on to lose that game in extras.

Game Notes:

Domonic Brown will sit again tonight to start the game in favor of John Mayberry Jr.

Cliff Lee is scheduled to throw live BP before tonight’s game and could start a rehab assignment next week.

Resent veteran minor league signings, Jason Marquis and Grady Sizemore will start tonight for Leigh Valley.

Sean O’Sullivan will pitch game two versus the Braves tomorrow.

Wil Nieves hopes to be activated off the DL on July 4^th.

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. John Mayberry, Jr LF
8. Cameron Rupp C
9. Kyle Kendrick P

Braves Lineup

1. B.J. Upton CF
2. Andrelton Simmons SS
3. Freddie Freeman1B
4. Evan Gatts C
5. Jason Heyward RF
6. Justin Upton LF
7. Chris Johnson 3B
8. Dan Uggla 2B
9. Julio Teheran P

First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET

Location: Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA  

Weather: 80^o F clouds and sun

TV: CSN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twiter @Ashipotofsky