Gameday: Pirates (38-47) At Phillies (45-38)
Zach Duke (8-7, 3.28 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (5-4, 4.69 ERA)
Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 78
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Twitter: Phillies Nation
The Phillies are 6-1 on this home stand, hoping to continue their winning ways. Their offense has been somewhat inconsistent. The Phillies need to hit with runners in scoring position. One thing that has been consistent during this homestand: the bullpen.
Joe Blanton will take the hill for the Phillies. After a slow start, Blanton is improving as the season goes on. In his last eight starts, Blanton is 3-1 with a 2.63. In his last outing, he out-pitched Johan Santana. In his lone career start against Pittsburgh, Blanton threw seven scoreless innings striking out seven.
Zach Duke has struggled in his career against the Phillies. In three starts, he is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA. Duke has had a good season, posting a 3.28 earned run average, but hasn’t received much run support.
Your Gameday Beer – Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter Troegs brewery, from out in Harrisburg, rarely makes a beer you don’t like. Porter beers aren’t always a favorite choice since they’re so heavy, but Dead Reckoning’s sweetness wraps you up like a warm blanket. It’s dark, but not black, similar to its caramel and chocolate flavors. The 5.8% ABV makes it a great way to start the day, so have some breakfast for dinner tonight. – By Brian
GO PHILLIES!
