The Philadelphia Phillies (21-15) wrap up their series with the Tampa Bay Rays (16-20) on Thursday, looking for a sweep — something they've been denied in the finales of their last two series wins. They have one sweep on the year, when they took all three games against the Colorado Rockies in the first week of the season.
The Phillies pummeled the Rays 7-0 on Wednesday, behind dominant performances from starter Cristopher Sánchez and new reliever Taijuan Walker. Sánchez picked up his fourth win by throwing six shutout innings, holding the Rays to one hit. Walker came out of the bullpen throwing daggers, logging seven strikeouts over three innings to earn his first career save.
The offense played "small ball," scoring five runs in the fourth inning that essentially put the game out of reach early on. The top of the order came up big, with Bryson Stott, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper each registering two RBIs. Turner walloped his second home run of the season, his first since April 9, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
The Phillies are now 8-2 in their last 10. The win helped them keep pace with the New York Mets, who they still trail by two games in the NL East. Following Thursday's finale, the Phils head off to Cleveland for a weekend series against the Guardians.
Phillies vs. Rays probable pitchers, May 8
- Jesús Luzardo (3-0, 1.94 ERA) will climb the hill for the Phillies. The lefty is on an early All-Star track with a 1.18 WHIP with 47 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings across seven starts. His 1.94 ERA ranks sixth among qualified starters, and he's one of only four starters with 40 or more innings to allow one home run. Luzardo held a tough Arizona offense to two runs on nine hits with six strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings in his last start, but took a no decision.
- Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 4.23 ERA) will counter for the Rays. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 1.41 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings this season. He has given up eight home runs (all at home) this year, and his 17 percent HR/FB rate is one of the highest among qualified starters. Pepiot's coming off 4 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees last time out, when he gave up two runs on five hits runs with one strikeout.
Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, May 8
- 1. 2B Bryson Stott
- 2. SS Trea Turner
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. LF Kyle Schwarber
- 5. DH Nick Castellanos
- 6. RF Max Kepler
- 7. C J.T. Realmuto
- 8. 3B Alec Bohm
- 9. CF Brandon Marsh
Tampa Bay Rays starting lineup, May 8
- 1. DH Yandy Díaz
- 2. LF Christopher Morel
- 3. 3B Junior Caminero
- 4. 1B Jonathan Aranda
- 5. C Danny Jansen
- 6. 2B Curtis Mead
- 7. RF José Caballero
- 8. CF Kameron Misner
- 9. SS Taylor Walls
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?
- Game time: 7:05 p.m. ET.
- NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
- The Rays broadcast will be on FanDuel Sports Network Sun.
- MLB Network will have a national broadcast (out-of-market only).
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Rays fans can tune into the game on WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM and WQBN/1300AM.