Florida @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( May 30, 2010 ) Philadelphia 0, Florida 1
They faced each other nearly two weeks ago. Now, it's time for a rematch.
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick and Florida Marlins hurler Chris Volstad will once again test their mettle as their respective teams begin a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday.
The two were the starting pitchers on May 28, when Kendrick and the Phillies (30-26) got the better of Volstad and the Marlins (28-30) with a tidy 3-2 triumph.
One day later, Roy Halladay hurled the 20th perfect game in major-league history, but that's another story for another time. In fact, the Marlins are still selling tickets to that contest, so you can concoct your ultimate fish tale if you so choose.
Now, back to the game in question.
The 25-year-old Kendrick (3-2, 4.62 ERA) allowed two runs and five hits in six innings of work on that May day, but Philadelphia rallied from an early two-run deficit thanks to some timely hits by Raul Ibanez and Ryan Howard.
Kendrick followed that performance with an admittedly better one - albeit in an eventual loss. He handcuffed Atlanta through seven innings last Wednesday - permitting just one run and five hits - but the Braves were able to scratch for another run to notch a 2-1 victory.
For his part, Volstad (3-6, 4.08 ERA) hasn't won since May 7 and has suffered four straight losses followed by a no-decision. The 16th overall pick of the 2005 draft, Volstad recorded a quality start against the Phillies on that day by allowing three runs in 6 1/3 innings.
As for his last start, the 23-year-old right-hander pitched well - allowing just one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings - but the Marlins were unable to hold a one-run lead en route to a 7-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
To be blunt, the Marlins aren't preserving many leads lately - including blowing a beefy five-run cushion on Sunday to cap an eventual sweep by the New York Mets.
Florida has lost four of its last five, but help may be on the way in the form of highly touted slugger Mike Stanton. He is expected to make his debut on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Stanton dominated the Southern League by batting .311 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs in 52 games with Double-A Jacksonville.
Speaking of reeling teams, Philadelphia watched Adrian Gonzalez belt three home runs in the last two contests to split its four-game series against National League-leading San Diego.
The Phillies have now lost 11 of their last 15 contests.