Philadelphia Phillies (3-3) at Washington Nationals (0-6)
Jamie Moyer (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. Daniel Cabrera (0-1, 7.50 ERA)
Time: 3:05 p.m. at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Weather: Cloudy, 53
TV: Comcast SportsNet, MLB Network (outside Philadelphia, Washington)
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The Phillies will hope to delay the Nationals’ first win of 2009 as they start a three-game set with their D.C. rivals. It’s opening day at Nationals Park and Jamie Moyer will take to the hill. The last time Moyer pitched against the Nats is was the division-clinching game, when Moyer threw a solid six innings to give the Phils the boost they needed. His last start, however, was a below-average one against the Braves. Moyer earned his first loss of the season against Atlanta, allowing four runs in five frames.
The Nationals turn to Daniel Cabrera, a hard thrower who tried to be a pitcher in his first start against the Marlins. That didn’t work: He surrendered five earned in six innings against Florida en route to a loss of his own. Cabrera has only pitched once to the Phils, and the 13+ ERA against them is his second worst against a team: Only the Reds clocked him better in one appearance. But here’s better news: Cabrera isn’t too good against lefties (.278/.384/.443). If they swing, they might get some good hits (.315 BAbip).
One lefty who is getting overlooked slightly is Raul Ibanez. The left fielder is slugging .583 so far; but what’s best? Three strikeouts in the first six games. In fact, the Phils are leading the league in fewest strikeouts. Seriously. These Phillies.
Christian Guzman is off to a hot start for the Nats. The usually steady hitter is knocking at a .429 clip this season, scoring six of Washington’s 26 runs.
Your gameday beer: This sunny Monday is a good day to promote a hefeweizen. Here is Penn Weizen by the Pennsylvania Brewery. It carries all the essential hefeweizen ingredients (cloves and fruit), and is an above-average value that sits at a pretty re-drinkable 5 percent alcohol volume. I’d eat a chicken salad sandwich with this one.
Go Phillies!
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