Kyle Kendrick, Phillies Open Up Weekend Set With D-Backs, Wade Miley

The Phillies pulled away from a four-game sweep yesterday as they secured a 2-1 win in the finale against the Giants. Cole Hamels notched his 5th win of the year as he pitched eight one-run innings whilst allowing 6 hits. Hamels dominated the Giants' offense who whiffed 10 times against the lefty. Jonathan Papelbon got his 24th save after blowing his previous two (in the same series) opportunities. The Phils will open up a three-game series with the Arizona D-backs (44-58) tonight as Kyle Kendrick (4-10, 4.87 ERA) and Wade Miley (6-6, 4.16 ERA) take the mound.

Kyle Kendrick struggled yet again his last time out. On Sunday Kendrick was lit up for 6 earned runs on five hits through five innings. Kendrick struggled in the first inning yet again, raising his first inning ERA to 10.80 as well as raising his season ERA to 4.87. In the month of July, Kendrick is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA. Over his last three, Kendrick has allowed 18 earned runs in 16 2/3 innings. Kendrick will look to turn it around against the D-backs, a team he is winless against in his career.

Wade Miley has pitched effectively over his last four starts and has decreased his ERA by over 40 points (4.61 to 4.61). In three of those four starts (all are quality starts), Miley has struck out at least 7 hitters and has walked less than 3. In the month of July, Miley is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and has 29 Ks against 5 walks. As Miley looks for his fifth consecutive quality start, he will take on a Phillies lineup that has scored nine runs in their past three games. In two career starts against the Phils, Miley is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

Game Notes:

• The Phillies had lost five consecutive home games and nine of their last 10 until a 2-1 win over the Giants on Thursday.
  
• The Phillies' .385 winning percentage at home (20-32) this season is the worst in the National League and second-worst in the Majors.
• Ryan Howard is not in tonight's lineup. Darin Ruf will man first base against the lefty Miley.

Tonight's Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Grady Sizemore CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Carlos Ruiz C
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Darin Ruf 1B
8. Cody Asche 3B
9. Kyle Kendrick P.

D-backs lineup:

1. David Peralta CF
2. Aaron Hill 2B
3. Paul Goldschmidt 1B
4. Miguel Montero C
5. Mark Trumbo LF
6. Martin Prado 3B
7. Gerardo Parra RF
8. Nick Ahmed SS
9. Wade Miley P.

First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Weather: 80° – Cloudy – 10% Precip
TV: CSN

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.