The Phillies got their second half off to a bad start with last night's 6-2 loss, bringing them down back 14 games under .500. Cliff Lee took the loss as well, bringing him to 1-6 on the year despite allowing three runs (two earned) on nine hits against the Rockies. Tonight Vance Worley will get the start in an effort to split the series.
Worley (4-5, 3.54 ERA) is making his 15th start of the season tonight and his second against the Rockies. In the first half, Worley missed some time with an elbow injury, but since coming back Worley has been consistant. Despite having five losses on the year, two are from being shelled. In his last start before the break, Worley tossed six innings of three-run ball against the Braves. He allowed seven hits, four walks and struck out five while taking the no-decision. Back on June 21st, Worley tossed seven scoreless innings before surrendering two runs to the Rockies in a tough-luck loss. Worley allowed just four hits. That game was his first career start against the Rockies. He is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA against them.
On the hill for the Rockies will be Jeremy Guthrie (3-8, 6.05 ERA) who is making his third start since returning to the Rockies' rotation. Guthrie's trip to the bullpen, due to his high amount of runs allowed, was the reason that the Rockies went to a four-man rotation. In his last start, on Sunday against the Nationals, Guthrie tossed six innings of two-run ball, allowing six hits and striking out three in the no-decision. Back on June 20th, Guthrie made a relief appearance against the Phillies tossing three scoreless innings, striking out two. In his career against the Phils (10 innings), Guthrie is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA against the Phillies.
The Phillies got off to a bad start in the second half, but they still have time to make an impact. It's going to take motivation from the entire team as well as good play to get this team even close to a playoff spot.
Tonight's Lineup @ Colorado:
- Rollins SS
- Vic CF
- Utley 2B
- Howard 1B
- Chooch C
- Pence RF
- Pierre LF
- Fontenot 2B
- Worley P.
TV: CSN ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
