Phillies-Pirates Series Preview

(Photo: thephotobrigade.com)

After the Phillies got swept in their doubleheader versus the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday, they now start a four game series today versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last time these two teams played each other was back on Opening Day as it was Roy Halladay on the mound for the Phillies and Erik Bedard on the mound for the Pirates. Obviously, the Phillies won that game 1-0 as Carlos Ruiz helped score the only run/game winning run with a sacrifice fly. But then the next two games in the series, the Phillies would go on to lose respectively 2-1 and 5-4. 


For tonight’s game, on the mound for the Pirates it will be Jeff Kartsens (0-1, 4.50 ERA) and the last time he pitched was back on April 17th as he has been on the disabled list because of shoulder and hip problems. On the mound for the Phillies it will be Joe Blanton (6-6, 5.04 ERA) and the last time he pitched was last Wednesday versus the Colorado Rockies. Against the Rockies, Blanton threw seven innings and gave up five earned runs, only to get a no decision. Coming into tonight’s game, the Pirates record is (38-33) and they are one game behind the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the NL Central. The Phillies, on the other hand; come into tonight’s game with a record of (34-40) and are nine games behind the Washington Nationals for first place in the NL East. 


Finally, a player to watch in this series is CF Andrew McCutchen, who leads the Pirates in every offensive category. McCutchen is this team’s superstar and all-star as he has a .340 batting average, 13 home runs, and 45 RBI. First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:05 pm.