Sep 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
This evening, the Phillies will look to take the second of a three game set at Citizens Bank Park against Miami, after taking the first last night.
It was Cody Asche who was the hero as he hit a towering two-run shot to right field to win the ball game for Philadelphia by an eventual 3-1 scoreline. After a pitchers duel between Henderson Alvarez and Cole Hamels, the game went to extras before being finally ended in the 10th after yet more quality bullpen pitching from Ken Giles, Jonathan Papelbon and Jake Diekman
Tonight, the Phils will send Kyle Kendrick to the mound, and he will be looking for a vast turn of fortune, plus a bit of help from manager Ryne Sandberg where possible. In his last start, he pitched 7 innings of 2 run ball against the Pirates, but then was allowed questionably to pitch the 8th despite his pitch count being at 111. He collapsed, eventually allowing 5 runs over 7 plus innings, moving to 8-12 on the season with a 4.83 ERA.
Brad Hand will be the Phillies’ opposing starter today. His last start showed why he has the potential to be a starter in the rotation, going 6 scoreless innings against the Braves last Sunday in a 4-0 win. He had a rough August, going 0-3 with an ERA over 6 over 4 starts.
Maikel Franco will hit out of the 2-spot tonight and surprisingly gets the nod at first base. There was some questions over whether Asche or Franco could potentially play first, and it appears the better defensive skill of Maikel Franco has earnt him the opportunity.
Ryan Howard is once again excluded, while Darin Ruf gets the start at left field as Sandberg continues to experiment with the lineup in an attempt to kick start offensive production while giving all players a chance to shine.
Lineups 9/13
Phillies:
Revere CF, Franco 1B, Utley 2B, Byrd RF, Ruf LF, Asche 3B, Nieves C, Galvis SS, Kendrick P
Marlins:
Yelich LF, Solano 2B, McGehee 3B, Ozuna CF, Jones RF, Bour 1B, Hechavarria SS, Mathis C, Hand P