The Sunday Night game comes from the National League again this week, where the Phillies (64-58) take on the Padres (48-57 ) at PETCO Park. First pitch is scheduled for 01.05 with Five’s coverage beginning ten minutes earlier. Â
The series so far
Tonight’s game is the decider of a three-game series. Friday night produced a classic pitching duel between two veterans. Greg Maddux gave up just five hits and one run over seven innings and the Padres’ bullpen held the Phillies scoreless in the eighth and ninth innings. Unfortunately for San Diego, the one run conceded by Maddux was all the Phillies needed as Jamie Moyer won his eleventh game of the season. Moyer pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and two walks along the way.
The offense broke out yesterday, as the Padres made short work of Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick. He was tagged for six runs over 3.2 innings, while Chad Reineke won on his Major League debut for the Padres. Brian Giles batted in four runs for San Diego and Jody Gerut proved to be an effective sparkplug at the top of their batting lineup. The centre fielder went 3 for 5 with two doubles as the Padres prevailed by a final score of 8-3.
Starting pitchers
The Phillies send their ace to the mound for tonight’s game. Cole Hamels has failed to record a win since the third of July, but he has a respectable 3.60 ERA in his seven starts since that date. The Phillies have provided him with just three runs or less in five of those games and he will be hoping that some better run support from his team mates will bring an end to his winless streak. The young left-hander has made his name with one of the best changeups in the Big Leagues, a pitch that makes his low-nineties fastball seem much more imposing than it would appear on the radar gun. Add in a good curveball as well and he as a three pitch arsenal that can dominate batting lineups when he is on his game.
The South Korean Cha Seung Baek starts for the Padres. Baek was acquired from the Mariners earlier this season and has a 5.12 ERA over his fourteen appearances (including twelve starts) with the Friars. He gave up five runs over six innings against the Brewers last time out and will be looking for a better performance tonight. Baek throws various breaking balls alongside a change and a low nineties fastball.
Things to look out for
- A win for the Padres? The Phillies’ bats have gone cold of late: they are hitting just .198/.297/.324 over their last ten games. San Diego’s batting lineup might not need to score many runs to better their opponent.
- A win for the Phillies? Baek’s record at PETCO is 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA. Not much cause for optimism for the home fans.
