Phillies fans could see a first place ballclub for the first time in over a year
Your Philadelphia Phillies are just a half game behind tonight’s opponent, the Atlanta Braves, for first place in the National League East. Philadelphia hasn’t been in first since the early weeks of the 2017 season and has played just three games as the division leader in the last five years.
Philadelphia put themselves in a great position for Tuesday night thanks to a stellar performance all around against Atlanta on Monday. Jorge Alfaro stole the show with a solo home run and fantastic defense behind and in front of the plate, including the final play of the ballgame.
Here’s everything needed for tonight’s game against Atlanta:
Date: May 22, 2018
First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park
Pitchers: Vince Velasquez (4-4, 4.37 ERA) vs Brandon McCarthy (4-2, 5.05 ERA)
Radio Station: 94 WIP, WSAN AM 1470 WTTM 1680; 680 AM, 93.7 FM, WYAY 106.7, Braves Radio Network; Siriux SM
TV Channel: NBCSP; FSSE
Live Online Stream: NBC Philadelphia (subscribers only)
Philadelphia
More from Phillies News
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
- Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?
- Exclusive Phillies Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if the Eagles Beat the Giants This Week
- Cesar Hernandez, 2B
- Rhys Hoskins, 1B
- Odubel Herrera, CF
- Carlos Santana, 1B
- Jorge Alfaro, C
- Nick Williams, RF
- Maikel Franco, 3B
- Scott Kingery, SS
- Vince Velasquez, SP
Velasquez has pitched at least six innings in each of his last two starts with 17 combined strikeouts against the Giants and Cardinals. He’s yet to pitch through the seventh inning this year as he continues to battle high pitch counts.
Atlanta
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Ronald Acuna, LF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Nick Markakis, RF
- Tyler Flowers, C
- Ender Inciarte, CF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Ryan Flaherty, 3B
- Brandon McCarthy, SP
McCarthy is making only his second career appearance in Citizens Bank Park, his first coming earlier this season. The Braves righty allowed one run off five hits in 5.1 innings with three walks and six strikeouts.
Next: 5 things to watch for vs the Braves
Alfaro is hitting .311 in the month of May, while Hoskins’ batting average dipped to .159 this month.