Categories: 2011 GamedayPosts

Gameday: Cubs (25-38) vs. Phillies (39-26)

Chicago Cubs (25-38) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-26)

Doug Davis (0-5, 6.38 ERA) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-4, 3.05 ERA)

Time: 1:35, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Cloudy, 80
TV: MyPHL 17
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Let’s be honest, Roy Oswalt hasn’t been all that sharp lately. He’s been lacking some velocity on his fastball and some crispness on his breaking pitches. On the other hand, he’s been lacking run support from his fellow mates. It seems like one of the best Phillies pitchers is stricken with this disease each season and Oswalt has it this time around.

What might help is the fact that the Phillies have scored 14 runs in the last two games and they’ll be facing one of the worst pitchers in all of baseball right now, Doug Davis. The Cubs veteran lefty is 0-5 in five starts, which also worries me a bit. This team struggles against soft-tossers, especially lefties. As exciting as this matchup may seem, tread with caution. It’s a trap game and if the Phillies decide to swing for the fences, they’ll end up with a series split against one of the most downtrodden clubs in all of baseball.

In the standings, the Phillies hold a two game lead on Atlanta, who has had to win 5 straight just to stay close. The Marlins are six back.

Placido Polanco gets a day of rest today, as does Domonic Brown.

PHILLIES LINEUP:

Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Ruiz C, Valdez 3B, Oswalt P

Your Gameday Beer: Innis and Gunn Rum Cask Oak Finish Beer

This excellent make from Innis and Gunn will knock your socks off. It’s not for the faint of heart at 7.4% ABV, but if you relax with a few you’ll enjoy it without the nasty hangover tomorrow. It has a deep red color with notes of fruit, spice, toffee, and oak. This beer was discovered accidentally – they set out to make an ale-flavored whiskey 2002 and instead came up with a Scottish beer. Funny how things work. – By Pat

Go Phillies!

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.