Yesterday, the Phillies (73-88) took the loss versus the Braves (78-83) in what may have been A.J. Burnett's final start as a Phillie, and possibly in the Major Leagues. Burnett went six and third innings, giving up four runs on five hits. Ryan Howard had a big day at the plate, hitting his 23rd home run of the season and an RBI single at the plate. Following the start, Burnett stated that he will be get surgery to repair a hernia that has been bothering him since April.
Today, the Phillies will send Cole Hamels (9-8 2.47 ERA) to the hill in final game of the season. Hamels lost his last start versus the Miami Marlins going seven innings giving up two runs on seven hits. Braves will counter with James Russell (0-2 3.19 ERA). Russell, normally a relief pitcher, only started five games in his career all coming in the 2011 season with the Cubs.
Game Notes:
- With 39 saves on the season, Papelbon is just one shy of his second career 40-save season, but will fall short of his career high, 41, in 2008.
- Braves will finish with a losing record for the first time since 2008 and third time since 1991.
- Jimmy Rollins will close the season still not in the starting lineup, after a hamstring injury.
Phillies Lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Maikel Franco 3B
- Freddy Galvis SS
- Cole Hamels P
Braves Lineup:
- Emilio Bonifacio CF
- Phil Gosselin SS
- Freddie Freeman 1B
- Chris Johnson 3B
- Evan Gattis C
- Ryan Doumit LF
- Joe Terdoslavich RF
- Tommy La Stella 2B
- James Russell P
First Pitch: 1:35 PM ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
TV: CSN
Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP
Andrew Shipotofsky is a Writer for Philliedelphia.
