Phillies-Orioles 5 things: More home run derby?

Share

Phillies (22-45) vs. Orioles (34-31)
1:05 p.m. on CSN

The Phillies are muddled in a nine-game losing streak, their longest since 1999, when they lost 11 straight in September.

To halt this free fall, the majors' worst team needs to prevent the baseball from leaving the yard, an issue that's bitten the Phillies severely against the Baltimore Orioles. And it could continue on Thursday when they finish their four-game home-and-home series with the Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.

Right-hander Sean O'Sullivan (1-5, 5.08 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies and opposes right-hander Bud Norris (2-4, 8.29 ERA).

Here are five things you need to know for the game:

1. Stop the long ball
The Orioles can mash, and the Phillies have seen that firsthand.

In three games against Baltimore, the Phillies have been out-homered, 11-2, and over their nine-game skid, they've been out-homered, 19-2.

The Orioles have the fourth-most home runs (81) in baseball, while the Phillies surrender the fourth-most (73).

And given the Phillies hit baseball's fewest (38), the combination is a recipe for the club's current futility.

2. Uh-oh, O'Sullivan?
Speaking of those homers, O'Sullivan may not be the guy to stymie the power-happy Orioles.

The 27-year-old has allowed nine home runs in nine starts this season, including four in one day outing against the Mets at pitcher-friendly Citi Field.

The righty has kept the opposition homer-less in three June starts, but that's likely because of iffy control, as he's 0-1 with seven walks, a hit batsman, two strikeouts and a 5.60 ERA.

One positive is O'Sullivan has a 3.77 ERA at Citizens Bank Park and weather conditions shouldn't favor hitters today.

But with Baltimore, you just never know.

3. Back and better?
It didn't take long for Jake Diekman to return.

The Phillies recalled the left-handed reliever this morning and designated right-hander Dustin McGowan for assignment.

Diekman looked sharp at Triple A Lehigh Valley, throwing seven scoreless frames, while striking out seven and walking just one.

But, part of his recall is a result of McGowan being bludgeoned for five homers over 3 1/3 innings in Baltimore, and, the bullpen is in desperate need of innings.

So, Diekman is back and the Phillies hope he's here to stay.

4. Today's lineups

Phillies
1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Maikel Franco, 3B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Domonic Brown, RF
6. Freddy Galvis, SS
7. Cody Asche, LF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Sean O'Sullivan, P

Orioles
1. Manny Machado, 3B
2. Travis Snider, LF
3. Chris Parmelee, RF
4. Chris Davis, 1B
5. J.J. Hardy, SS
6. Ryan Flaherty, 2B
7. Caleb Joseph, C
8. David Lough, CF
9. Bud Norris, P

5. This and that
• Howard is 4 for 13 with a home run and five RBIs lifetime against Norris.

• Franco is hitting .356 in June with five home runs and 10 RBIs.

• Orioles rightfielder Parmelee has three home runs in his last two games against the Phillies.

• Baltimore is 9-1 in its last 10 games.

Contact Us