Phillies tab Nola for 5th start in series opener with Reds

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies (16-29) — losers in 20 of their last 25 games while being outscored 142-95 (-47) — will get a fresh start in the series opener against RHP Tim Adleman and the Cincinnati Reds (22-24) Friday evening at Citizens Bank Park.

Right-hander Aaron Nola will make his fifth start, as the Phillies look to snap an eight-game series losing streak.

The Phillies snapped their five-game skid in Thursday's series finale matinee 2-1 victory over the National League-best Colorado Rockies. First baseman Tommy Joseph supplied all of the offense with a solo home run and walk-off RBI single in the seventh and 11th innings, respectively. Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez earned the victory, his third and first since returning from the disabled list earlier that day with a right elbow impingement.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Adleman Career vs. PHI: 0-1, 5.40 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 3 SO, 2.000 WHIP

Adleman's first and only career start against the Phillies occurred on May 14, 2016 at Citizens Bank Park — his third career appearance overall. The 29-year-old suffered the loss, throwing five innings and 67 pitches. Adleman allowed RBI singles to center fielder Odubel Herrera and second baseman Cesar Hernandez, as well as a RBI double to then-first baseman Ryan Howard.

The Staten Island, New York native has tossed two quality starts this season. In two starts on the road, however, Adleman is 0-2 with a 11.37 ERA and 2.211 WHIP ratio, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) through 6 1/3 innings.

Nola Career vs. CIN: 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 14 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, HR, BB, 17 SO, 0.714 WHIP

Making his return from the disabled list on May 21 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, Nola (back) suffered the loss despite allowing just one run through seven innings and 89 pitches.

The 23-year-old right-hander surrendered eight runs through his first three starts (16 innings) from April 8-20, posting a 2-0 record and 4.50 ERA.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

• First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
• TV: CSN
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

• Since May 19, the Phillies' bullpen has posted a National League-best 1.19 ERA, allowing five runs (three earned) on 15 hits, six walks and 18 strikeouts spanning 22 2/3 innings.
• The Phillies have fallen in three of their last four games against the Reds, dating back to May 15 of last season. Their only win over this stretch occurred in their 4-3 Opening Day victory on April 3.
• Hernandez is 2-2 lifetime against Adleman with a walk and RBI. Third baseman Maikel Franco, meanwhile, is 1-3 with a double. All-time against Nola, Reds first baseman Joey Votto is hitless with a walk and strikeout, batting .000/.167/.000 through five at-bats.

NL East Standings (entering May 26, 2017)

What's Next:

• Saturday, May 27, 2017: vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4:05 p.m.
• Citizens Bank Park
• RHP Bronson Arroyo (3-4, 6.75 ERA) vs. RHP Jerad Eickhoff (0-5, 4.70 ERA)
• TV: TCN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP