Last night the Phillies walked off against the Pittsburgh Pirates in dramatic fashion, as Ben Revere homered over the right field fence to give the Phillies a 7-5 comeback victory in the bottom of the ninth. The Phillies will get one more chance to practice for the regular season as David Buchanan looks to continue his strong Spring. The Pirates will counter with Charlie Morton.
The Phillies will play what appears to be their starting lineup for Monday. As expected, Ben Revere will lead off and play left field. He is followed by Odubel Herrera in center, Chase Utley at second base, and Ryan Howard at first. It will not be until the fifth hitter in the lineup that the Phillies bat a right-handed hitter, in Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies' options are that, play Darin Ruf, or, bat Freddy Galvis higher than eighth.
Galvis will bat eighth, with Grady Sizemore and Cody Asche ahead of him batting sixth and seventh, respectively. Even with Domonic Brown starting the season on the disabled list, the Phillies seem more willing to play a lineup that is even more left-handed than usual for them than allow Ruf a chance to play in the outfield. Opponents with strong left-handed relievers salivate.
The Pirates, meanwhile, are playing most of their starters. Andrew McCutchen will get today off. Starling Marte moves from left field to center, while Sean Rodriguez gets the start in left. Since it is a day game after a night game, the Pirates will give starting catcher Francisco Cervelli a break, while Tony Sanchez gets the opportunity behind the plate.
Meanwhile, look for Phillies players to be around the ballpark prior to the game. Yesterday some players were at the various gates, giving away coupons for free hot dogs and sodas. Juan Samuel signed autographs, and Ryan Howard served as bartender in the Diamond Club. They are keeping who will be where a surprise, but keep an eye out around the park today to see who is out there.
Phillies Lineup:
Today's #OnDeck lineup vs #Pirates. @davidb413 vs Morton. 1:05 pm game time on @TCNPhilly/1210WPHT/94WIP/MLB.com pic.twitter.com/13cgje5nNs
— Phillies (@Phillies) April 4, 2015
Pirates Lineup:
Here's our lineup for the final #PiratesST game in Philly. Listen today at 1pm on @937theFan & the PRN. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/XqsuxqFd8p
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 4, 2015
First pitch: 1:05
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
Radio: WPHT/WIP
