Phillies eye sweep, 40th win in finale against Braves

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

PHILADELPHIA — Behind veteran RHP Jeremy Hellickson, the Philadelphia Phillies (39-46) will look for their fourth series sweep and 40th win of the season as they take on rookie RHP Tyrell Jenkins and the National League-worst Atlanta Braves (28-56) Wednesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

While catcher Cameron Rupp's 10-game hit streak was snapped in Tuesday's 5-1 victory, right fielder Peter Bourjos' was extended to 14 thanks to his solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. Since June 6, Bourjos has raised his batting average 84 points (from .193 to .277), batting a MLB-best .440.

The Phillies have won seven of their last eight games, scoring five or more runs in five of the contests. They have outscored opponents 20 to 5 over their last three games.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Tyrell Jenkins — Age: 23;

• Last Appearance: July 3, 2016, vs. MIA: ND, 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, SO, HR
• Career vs. PHI: N/A

After combining to allow six runs on 12 hits and six walks over his first four career appearances, all in relief, Jenkins earns his first career start in place of injured All-Star RHP Julio Teheran, scratched with a right thigh infection.

Jenkins was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals, along with right-hander Shelby Miller, in exchange for outfielder Jayson Heyward and RHP Jordan Walden on Nov. 17, 2014.

Jeremy Hellickson — Age: 29;

• Last Appearance: July 1, 2016, vs. KCR: W, 6.0 IP, 5 H, R, ER, BB, 6 SO
• Career vs. ATL: N/A

Hellickson's 160th career Major League appearance will be his first against the Braves offense. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA and 0.978 WHIP ratio over 29 2/3 innings pitched during day games this season.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

• First pitch: 1:05 p.m.
• TV: CSN
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

• The Phillies hit four home runs Tuesday evening, all with no runners on base. They are 32-23 this season when they hit at least one home run and 7-23 when they hit no home runs. Also, outhitting the Braves 8-6 improved their season record to 27-4 when they accomplish such feat.
• Over his past 10 games, Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco is batting .400 (16-40) with two walks, two doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs. His three home runs in the month of July trails just Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman C.J. Cron (5) and Kansas City  Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales (4) for the most in Major League Baseball.
• Phillies pitching has prevented the Braves offense from reaching double-digits in hits in seven of their eight meetings this season (May 10, 6; May 11, 10; May 12, 8; May 20, 8; May 21, 6; May 22, 6; July 4, 6; July 5, 6).

Standings:

What's Next:

• Thursday, July 7, 2016: at Colorado Rockies, 8:40 p.m.
• Coors Field
  
• TBA vs. RHP Chad Bettis (6-6, 5.85 ERA)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP