Photo: Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso
Kyle Kendrick had a rough outing last evening (as did most of the Phillies pitching), his worst of the season statistically. With six total earned runs given up in under six innings pitched, Kendrick was handed the loss, and still remains without that ever-so-important first win. While the score didn't really show it, Nathan Eovaldi was somewhat better than advertised, despite giving up ten hits. With just one earned run allowed, he got the victory, and led his team into today's afternoon game with a chance to take the series victory. With those twelve hits and five runs scored, the Phillies continued to have a steady offense. Will that offense keep things going today behind Cole Hamels against Miami's Henderson Alvarez?
Often when I put these previews together, I like to do a comparison between a pitcher's ERA and FIP. Normally, a higher FIP represents a season worse than the bare numbers show, while a higher ERA represents a better than advertised campaign. In Hamels' case, his season is going much better than many would believe. The difference of 1.41 between his ERA over his FIP shows that Hamels has been a victim of gameplay behind him, and not so much his actual pitching. Among National League pitchers with at least 10 IP on the road, Cole ranks third in FIP with a 1.70. Look for him to keep the Miami hitters at bay this afternoon.
Henderson Alvarez, the second year starter for the Marlins, is pitching exactly to his numbers, with his ERA being just four points higher than his FIP. However, Alvarez continues to struggle throwing in the strikeout/walk department. Just an 8.9% K-BB% suggest his ability to strikeout effectively is quite low, and his numbers are incredibly similar to those of Kyle Kendrick. For the Phillies sake, let's hope Alvarez has as disappointing of a start as Kendrick had last evening.
Game Notes
- Earlier this season, Henderson Alvarez pitched a game at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies. He gave up twelve hits and three earned runs in six full innings pitched. He struckout five while walking three in a no decision.
- Cole Hamels has started 14 games against the Marlins since the start of 2011. He is 5-5 with 98 K, 20 BB, 28 ER, and 97 IP while batter his at a clip of .223 against him. Those 97 innings are the most Hamels has thrown against any opponent in that time span.
- Marlon Byrd seems to be providing a big spark to the Phillies since their offense reemerged. Since Saturday's game against Cincinnati, Byrd is 7-for-17 (.412) with a homerun and five RBIs.
Phillies Lineup
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Wil Nieves C
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Cody Asche 3B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Ben Revere CF
- Cole Hamels P
Marlins Lineup
- Christian Yelich LF
- Ed Lucas 2B
- Giancarlo Stanton RF
- Casey McGehee 3B
- Jeff Baker 1B
- Marcell Ozuna CF
- Adeiny Hechavarria SS
- Jeff Mathis C
- Henderson Alvarez P
Location: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Weather: 82° – Clear – 0% PoP
Start Time: 12:40 PM Eastern
Andrew Gillen, Philliedelphia Managing Editor/Gameday Coordinator
