Phillies host American League leading Astros

By Nick Mandarano, Sports Talk Philly Staff  

PHILADELPHIA — Yesterday's win marked back-to-back series victories for the Phillies for the first time since they won three in a row from April 18-27 against the Mets, Braves and Marlins. Since then, Philadelphia has won just four of their 24 series. After winning five of their last seven games and with momentum on their side, the Phillies will host the Astros, who currently possess the best record in the American League. 

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Vince Velasquez — Age: 25;

• Last Start: July 18, 2017, @ MIA: ND, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 SO, 1 HR
• Career vs. Astros: N/A

Velasquez, who the Phillies acquired in the trade that sent Ken Giles to Houston, will face his former organization for the first time in his career. In his first start off the disabled list, he allowed just one earned run and five baserunners in six innings. His only apparent mistake resulted in a solo homer by Giancarlo Stanton. Prior to his injury, Velasquez struggled, posting a 5.58 ERA in 10 starts. Tonight, he'll look to continue his success from his previous outing against the team leading the Majors in runs, batting average, and home runs.

Brad Peacock — Age: 29;

• Last Start: July 18, 2017, vs. SEA: W, 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 9 SO, 0 HR
• Career vs. Phillies: (1-1), 2 G, 10.2 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 6 SO, 1 HR, 6.75 ERA

Peacock started the season with Houston as a reliever, appearing in 12 games with a 1.10 ERA and a 2-0 record. On May 22, he was converted to a starter, where he's found a new source of success. He's 6-1 in 12 starts with a 2.92 ERA In his previous five outings, he's 5-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 29.2 innings.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

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

Game Notes:

• The Phillies have collected 78 base hits over the last seven games (11.14 per game), recording 10 or more hits in four of them. Their .315 batting average over the last seven games ranks second only to Colorado’s .384 average among all Major League teams.
• Over the last 26 games, the Phillies have outscored their opponents 115-94 (+21) and rank eighth in the majors and fifth among all National League teams in run differential over that stretch.
• Since June 26, the Phillies bullpen has posted a National League-best 2.19 ERA (16 ER, 65.2 IP) and major-league best 1.04 WHIP (20 BB, 48 H), 2.74 FIP and .557 opponents’ OPS.

Standings:

What's Next:

• Saturday, July 25, 2017: vs. Houston Astros, 7:05 p.m.
• Citizens Bank Park
  
• RHP Nick Pivetta (3-5, 5.58 ERA) vs. RHP Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.18 ERA)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP.