I always say the best way to turn a losing streak around is to trade 2/3 of your outfield.
The home team has certainly shown up the past two games and they send Cole Hamels to the mound tonight to complete the sweep. I really want this one, myself. The Nationals got under my skin this year. Their "Nattitude" and take back the ballpark campaign which might have filled the joint close to half way on the weekends. Between that, Mike Rizzo pissing and moaning about Hamels hitting Harper and Jayson Werth shooting his mouth off, they just bother me.
That being said, they're legit. So are the Phillies for that matter. Despite injuries, slumps, bad defense, and a rough trade deadline, these guys know how to win. So here's hoping they make some noise.
Facing Hamels, is lefty swing man Ross Detwiler. He owns a lifetime 1-3 record and a 4.45 ERA against the Phillies. Werth is apparently with the Nationals and rumored to possibly be activated tonight. Kevin Frandsen continues to hold down third base for the Phils. The recently called up Michael Martinez is in to patrol center field. Ryan Howard gets the night off.
Line up: Rollins 6. Frandsen 5. Utley 4. Ruiz 2. Wigginton 3. Mayberry 9. Brown 7. Martinez 8. Hamels 1
Some quick minor league notes, newly acquired catcher Tommy Joseph went 3/5 in Richmond in his debut for Double-A Reading last night. Pitcher Ethan Martin makes his debut in the Phillies organization tomorrow night in Reading against Binghamton.
