The Phillies will try to avoid a four-game sweep when they take on the Mets tonight.
Despite the Mets' strong starting pitching, offense hasn't really been the issue for the Phillies. They've scored at least four runs in each of the first three games of the series.
Pete Mackanin will go right-handed heavy with his lineup against lefty Jon Niese. Niese has enjoyed a great deal of success against the Phillies in his career (10-6, 2.77 ERA in 21 career starts). Centerfielder Odubel Herrera, who will bat third, is the only true left-handed hitter in the lineup.
Rookie outfielder Aaron Altherr returns after not starting the first three games of the series. Altherr, who will play left and hit fifth, has shown some flashes since his call-up, including a four-game stretch that saw him go 4 of 14 with the two homers and five runs batted in.
With a crowded outfield, it's been tough for Altherr and veteran Jeff Francoeur to get at-bats. Francoeur will get his first start since Aug. 23 and hit cleanup. Francoeur has put together a solid season (.277, 12 HRs, 39 RBIs) but has struggled while batting fourth, hitting only .209 in that spot.
Here is tonight's lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Andres Blanco, 3B
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Aaron Altherr, LF
6. Darin Ruf, 1B
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Freddy Galvis, SS
9. Aaron Harang, P