Philadelphia Phillies (30-34) vs. Minnesota Twins (25-36)
Joe Blanton (5-6, 5.40) vs. Scott Diamond (5-1, 1.61)
Time: 8:10, Target Field
TV: WB 17
Weather: Thunderstorms, 80
Media: Twitter and Facebook
The Phillies will be trying to win back-to-back games for the first time since May 30 and June 1. Overall they have lost nine of their last 11 games. Before last night, the last game they won was a Joe Blanton start.
Blanton, surprisingly, has had some really good starts for the Phillies this season. The other side of that is that he has allowed at least five runs in his last five starts. So the question is which Joe Blanton will we see tonight.
Blanton and the Phillies will be facing Scott Diamond, who has not lost an inter league game he’s started in his young career. He has never faced Philadelphia. Diamond, a former Rule 5 guy, has a 7:1 strikeouts to walks ratio and has four starts where he went at least six innings without allowing a run.
The key is for Blanton to settle in and pitch a smart game. He has given up entirely too many home runs this season. While he has only issued 12 walks in 75 innings, he has given up 89 hits including 13 home runs.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Pence RF, Thome DH, Victorino CF, Ruiz C, Wigginton 1B, Mayberry LF, Martinez 2B
GAMEDAY BEER: Flying Dog Dogtoberfest
Perhaps it’s the rich amber color, the smooth and sweet taste, or the Hunter S. Thompson quote on the label, but something about this beer really does it for me. It’s been one of my absolute favorites since the first time I had it. It has a complex taste, with elements of sweet and bitter, but also goes down incredibly smooth, without being too abrasive to the palette. Despite the name drawing inferences to Autumn, the Dogtoberfest is actually a perfect summertime beer. Have it with some traditionally grilled food. –By Ryan
Go Phillies!
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