The sabermetrician in me knows the notion is nonsense. But, the fan in me likes to think that the Phillies might just have some momentum going into tonight's game against the Twins. How's that? They are now 3-1 in their last four games against two of the toughest teams in the AL, the Red Sox and Yankees. They've scored 6 or more runs in back-to-back games for the first time since in over a month. And they've gotten dominant pitching from the back end of the rotation in the past two games.
Of course, they'll need that again, as Joe Blanton and his $24M 7.28 ERA take the mound tonight. He'll be facing an AL Central-leading Twins team that struggles on the road, where they're just 15-15 compared to 23-13 at home.
The eminently hittable Nick Blackburn will face the Phillies lineup. Blackburn is ripe for a Phillies team looking to make some progress in squashing its slump. Blackburn has allowed hitters to make contact (only 16 walks and 22 strikeouts in 74+ innings) this season. And when they do, they're quite successful, as hitters have a .328 average against Blackburn and an incredible .875 OPS. Blackburn's 5.32 SIERA is actually worse than Blanton's 4.82.
Tonight would be a great night for the Phillies to build momentum and put the past month behind them.
Current Series
3 game series vs Twins @ Citizens Bank Park
Minnesota Twins Friday, Jun 18, 2010, 7:05 PM EDT Nick Blackburn vs Joe Blanton Clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 85. Complete Coverage > | ||
| Sat 06/19 | 4:10 PM EDT | |
| Sun 06/20 | 1:35 PM EDT | |
