Let's face it. We should have an off day today because yesterday there was little to no rain and there was enough clear skies to play nine innings of baseball. But, the Phillies organization thought otherwise and decided to postpone the 2014 home opener until this afternoon. So let's play ball.
The Phillies enter their first homestand of the year with a 3-3 record after taking the series win in Chicago this past weekend. Despite not completing the sweep of the Cubbies on Sunday, the Phils still pulled away with a series win – and two out of three ain't bad. Today Kyle Kendrick (0-0, 1.29 ERA) will take on the Milwaukee Brewers (4-2) in the Phillies' home opener. On the hill for the Brew Crew will be Kyle Lohse (0-1, 3.86 ERA).
Kyle Kendrick was spectacular in his 2014 debut on Wednesday against the Rangers. He allowed five hits, one run, one walk and struck out four in seven innings. Despite the great start, it was not enough as he was relieved by a bullpen who blew the game in the bottom of the ninth (Papelbon). Taking the no-decision in his last outing, Kendrick will look for his first win this afternoon as he takes on a Brewers team who is coming fresh off of a sweep of the Red Sox. In his career against the Brewers, Kendrick owns a 3.58 ERA with a 1-4 record.
Kyle Lohse is coming off of a loss during his last start. In his 2014 debut, Lohse took the Braves to the seventh inning, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out eight and walking two. Lohse, who is entering his second full season with the Brewers, is looking to improve himself from 2013. The Phillies have seen a lot of Lohse, who formerly played for them in 2007. In over 81 innings, the right hander has a 4-4 record and a 2.98 ERA against the Phils.
Game Notes:
- Brewers starters have a 1.65 ERA and have not given up more than three earned runs in any game so far this season.
- In 15 career at bats against Kyle Lohse, Ryan Howard is hiting .533 with 2 HR and 8 RBI.
- Aramis Ramirez is currently hitting .440 with 6 RBI – having hit safely in every single game this year.
- Chase Utley is away from the team after being sent home with the flu. The Phillies have 24 players today.
Today's Lineup:
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Cesar Hernandez 2B
- Cody Asche 3B
- Kyle Kendrick P
Brewers lineup:
- Carlos Gomez CF
- Jean Segura SS
- Ryan Braun RF
- Aramis Ramirez 3B
- Jonathan Lucroy C
- Khris Davis LF
- Mark Reynolds 1B
- Scooter Gennett 2B
- Kyle Lohse P.
First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Weather: 64° – Sunny – 10% Precip
TV: NBC 10
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
