The Phillies were on the short end of the stick last night. It was a tough-luck loss, but at least it wasn't a blowout loss. Cole Hamels allowed an earned run on three hits through six innings, four of which were no-hit innings. He didn't take the win, but he did improve drastically from his previous two starts. This afternoon, Roy Halladay (0-2, 14.73 ERA) will look to snap out of his own funk as he takes on the Marlins for the first time this season. Kevin Slowey (0-2, 2.19 ERA) will oppose in an effort to give the Marlins their third win of the season.
Roy Halladay has only pitched 7 1/3 innings over two starts and he hasn't been very effective. Despite racking up 12 strike outs, Halladay has allowed 12 earned runs on 12 hits so far this season. On Monday against the Mets, Halladay allowed seven earned runs on six hits in four innings. Halladay's health has been a concern, but he keeps insisting that it's all "mental". Call me crazy, but I believe him in way. He's maintaining a good velocity (88-92 MPH), but his main problem is he is leaving pitches over the plate way too much. Like Charlie Manuel said he's not going to give up on Halladay, and neither should we. Halladay has a 7-4 record and a 3.09 ERA (32 ER in 93 1/3 IP) against Miami in his career.
Kevin Slowey has been great so far this year, but has been on the recipient of two losses. Despite allowing an earned run in his season debut and two earned in his second start, Slowey has started off the season 0-2. In his last outing, against the Braves on Monday, Slowey threw seven strong innings allowing two earned on six hits while striking out three. The Braves' pitchers held the Marlins to just two hits in the game, resulting in a tough-luck loss for Slowey. Slowey is looking to continue pitching strongly while hoping his team can conquere Halladay. In his career, Slowey is 0-0 with a 37.80 ERA (5 ER in 1 2/3 IP) against Philadelphia.
Key Game Notes:
- It's going to be hot today and the roof will be open, so Halladay will need to work quickly to keep his pitch count low and reduce his time on the mound.
- Roy Halladay has never opened the season 0-3 and is looking for his 200th career victory.
- Scoring runs has been a problem so far thus series. Get a jump on Slowey and keep ahead of him is a must.
- Michael Young is back in the lineup after not starting last night's game.
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Freddy Galvis SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Michael Young 3B
- Domonic Brown LF
- John Mayberry Jr. RF
- Humberto Quintero C
- Roy Halladay P.
Marlins lineup:
- Juan Pierre LF
- Chris Coghlan CF
- Placido Polanco 3B
- Greg Dobbs 1B
- Justin Ruggiano RF
- Rob Brantly C
- Chris Valaika 2B
- Adeiny Hecharvaria SS
- Kevin Slowey P.
First Pitch Forecast: Mostly Sunny – 85° – Feels like 91° – Humidity 66% – 0% PoP.
TV: myPHL17
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT
Let's Go Phillies!
Erik Seybold is the Coolest Journalist Around at Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
