Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Posted: 9:58 a.m.
CSNPhilly.com
Phillies (55-32) at Marlins (38-48) - 7:10 - CSN
Starting Pitchers
Phillies:Kyle Kendrick (4-4, 3.81) gave up a season-high six runs Friday against Toronto, but the Phils bailed him out in a 7-6 victory over the Blue Jays. Kendrick is 2-2 with a 4.80 ERA in six starts this season. He is also 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his last four starts against the Marlins.
Marlins: Anibal Sanchez (6-2, 3.30) doesn't have a decision against the Phillies this season, though he has a 2.77 ERA in two outings vs. Philly. Sanchez's ERA in his last four starts is a pedestrian 4.18. He has not won since defeating Arizona on June 10.
Previous games
The Phillies took Monday's series opener, 1-0, behind Vance Worley's seven scoreless innings and an RBI single by Michael Martinez. Antonio Bastardo closed it out for his fifth save in as many chances.
The Phils then rolled to a 14-2 win on Tuesday as Cole Hamels gave up two runs in eight innings, while Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez drove in four runs apiece. Jimmy Rollins, as well as Howard, finished with four hits on the night.
MLB
The Marlins have lost 15 of their last 17 home games.
Head-to-head
The Phillies are 9-2 against the Marlins this season and swept a four-game series from the Fish in mid-June. The Phillies are 21-4 in their last 25 games in Miami.
Whos hot?
Chase Utley has hit safely in nine straight games. Rollins has stolen 13 straight bases without being caught. Domonic Brown has hit safely in five straight games, batting 7-for-19 (.368) in that stretch.
For Florida, Emilio Bonifacio has hit safely in eight straight games. Lefty reliever Randy Choate has been scored upon just once in his last 34 appearances. Rookie outfielder Bryan Petersen had his first career two-hit game last night. He was 2-for-4 with a single and a double.
Storylines
After setting season highs for runs (14) and hits (18) in yesterday's victory, can the Phillies follow it up with another strong performance? ... Ibanez is just 3-for-17 lifetime against Sanchez. ... The Phillies have won seven straight games against Florida. ... And the Phils will continue to monitor Shane Victorino, who may end up on the DL with a thumb injury. ... Martinez, who has replaced Victorino the last two games, has four RBIs in that span.
Sound off
Are you surprised that the Marlins are 10 games under .500 at this point in the season? Did you expect them to compete with the Phillies for the NL East title?