Cincinnati @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 8, 2010 ) Cincinnati 3, Philadelphia 4
The Philadelphia Phillies have several sluggers adorning their lineup.
All-Star Ryan Howard? Naturally.
Jason Werth? Definitely.
Raul Ibanez? Sure, he's got some pop.
Shane Victorino? Well, now that you mention it. The "Flyin' Hawaiian" matched his career high with 14 homers this season by belting two solo homers in as many days.
Victorino tied his mark from 2008 by going deep on Thursday and Brian Schneider homered in the 12th inning as Philadelphia recorded a 4-3 triumph over the National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds.
Jimmy Rollins scored on pitcher Johnny Cueto's fielding error and also had a run-scoring sacrifice fly for the Phillies (44-40), who won for just the third time in nine games.
All-Star Joey Votto belted his league-leading 22nd home run and former Phillie Miguel Cairo had an RBI double in the ninth for the Reds (49-38), who fell for just the fifth time in 16 contests.
Cincinnati will look to rebound on Friday when it sends rookie right-hander Mike Leake (6-1, 3.38 ERA) to the hill.
The eighth overall pick of the 2009 draft was backed by a 14-run outburst to cruise to victory in his last outing. Leake permitted three runs and eight hits in six innings to claim the win.
Sadly, that was one of only two victories since mid-May for the 22-year-old, who was roughed up by Philadelphia in his previous start on June 29. Leake allowed six runs and seven hits in six innings as the Phillies posted a 9-6 triumph over the Reds.
Philadelphia will counter with Joe Blanton (3-5, 6.27 ERA). The 29-year-old right-hander has fared well of late, although a difficult seventh inning in his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates resulted in him receiving a no-decision.
Signed to a three-year, $24 million deal in the offseason, Blanton has worked hard to overcome a horrific start with two victories in his last four starts. In his previous encounter against the Reds, Blanton pitched well - allowing three runs and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings - but also received a no-decision.
The burly hurler has reached the seventh inning in his last four starts. A repeat performance tonight would certainly be welcome, although there is no telling what the team's bullpen will do.
Closer Brad Lidge blew his third straight save opportunity on Thursday and left Citizens Bank Park to a chorus of boos.
The mood quickly changed as relievers Jose Contreras and Nelson Figueroa combined to pitch three perfect innings before Schneider lowered the boom to end the game.