The Phils looked strong last night. Jimmy Rollins is smoking hot and Carlos Ruiz is still Carlos Ruizing it. By the way, you should really vote for Chooch for the All-Star Game. Seriously do it. Anyway, the Phils took game one of four by a score of 8-3 last night. Joe Blanton was solid while the Phillies were scoring runs upon runs on the Pirates. Tonight the Phillies will look to take game two of this series and Vance Worley (3-4, 2.78 ERA) is on the hill.
In Worley's last start, on Thursday against the Rockies, he tossed six scoreless innings before surrendering the two-run home run in the seventh that would cost him the win. Worley allowed four hits, two earned runs, two walks and struck out two over seven innings in the tough-luck loss. Worley has a 2.25 ERA in four starts since coming back from the DL. Back on April 8, Worley threw six solid innings of one-run ball against the Pirates. He allowed just five hits and a solo-home run while taking the no-decision in the Phillies' loss. In two career starts, Worley is 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA against the Pirates.
The Pirates will send out lefty Erik Bedard (4-7, 4.13 ERA), who is looking to keep on track. Making his fifteenth start of the season, Bedard is coming off of a no-decision where he allowed just one earned on four hits over six innings against the Twins. Bedard has been handed seven losses this season and one of them is at the hand of the Phillies. Back on Opening Day, Bedard allowed just one earned run on six hits through seven innings. In four career starts against the Phillies, Bedard is 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA.
Like I said before, Jimmy Rollins is tearing it up at the plate. Since May 28, J-Roll is batting .345 with 10 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 18 RBIs and a 1.043 OPS. Over that 25 game stretch, Rollins has been the Phils' hottest hitter. Next to him is Carlos Ruiz, who is still among the top hitters in the National League with a .354 average on the year. Chooch is a candidate for the catcher position in Kansas City for the All-Star Game. Go vote for Chooch right now, here.
Tonight's lineup vs Pittsburgh:
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Hunter Pence, RF
4. Carlos Ruiz, C
5. Shane Victorino, CF
6. Ty Wigginton, 1B
7. John Mayberry, Jr., LF
8. Mike Fontenot, 2B
9. Vance Worley, P
TV: CSN ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP.
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
