LIVE Game Thread: Phillies vs Blue Jays
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Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
After playing two games in Philadelphia to finish up a long road trip, the Phillies now head into Toronto to complete baseball’s version of a home and home. Since rebalancing the leagues and have 15 teams in both the American and National Leagues, Major League Baseball is now forced to play interleague ball the entire season.
Last night we saw Marcus Stroman gain his first major league win after coming into the game for Drew Hutchison. The #HutchShow was brilliant until he gave up a grand slam to Cody Asche in the 6th inning. Toronto’s offense was lead by Edwin Encarnacion and Colby Rasmus who each banged out a homerun in the game.
Tonight Philadelphia is looking to end Toronto’s 3-game winning streak and get revenge after the Blue Jays entered Citizens Bank Park and sweep the mini two game series. Philadelphia’s chances are very good as they send out staff ace Cliff Lee against a revitalized Blue Jays’ lineup. Not much has been said about Lee this year but you can’t count this crafty veteran out. Cliff is a left-handed smart pitcher, who uses deceit and control to get big league hitters out.
As a counter Toronto also sends out a left handed pitcher in Mark Buehrle who is looking to collect his 6th win of the young season. Marky Mark (forgive me if that brought back some bad memories) has been the most consistent start for the Blue Jays- minus one start against Boston.
Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup
Ben Revere-CF
Jimmy Rollins-DH
Chase Utley-2B
Carlos Ruiz-C
Marlon Byrd-RF
Domonic Brown-Lf
John Mayberry Jr.-1B
Cody Asche-3B
Jayson Nix-SS
Cliff Lee-P
Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup
Jose Reyes-SS
Melky Cabrera-LF
Jose Bautista-RF
Edwin Encarnacion-1B
Erik Kratz-DH
Dioner Navarro-C
Juan Francisco-3B
Colby Rasmus-CF
Steve Tolleson-2B
Mark Buehrle-P
Note: Jimmy Rollins returns to the starting lineup after pinch hitting last night. It is important to note that he will be DH-ing tonight showing that the groin problem he has been experiencing isn’t quite gone. Also, Ryan Howard is out of the lineup tonight. This is probably the fact that they are taking on left-hander Mark Buehrle.
Also, Brett Lawrie is still out of the starting lineup with that tightness in his hamstring he experienced in the first game in Philadelphia.
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