Cincinnati @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 9, 2010 ) Cincinnati 7, Philadelphia 9
Working overtime has never been a problem for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Cincinnati Reds discovered that fact the hard way - twice.
The Phillies (45-40) have claimed the first two contests of this four-game set in extra innings - and will look to extend their modest winning streak to three when they face the Reds (49-39) on Saturday.
Roy Halladay (10-7, 2.33 ERA) will take the hill on Saturday for Philadelphia, which has posted back-to-back victories over Cincinnati - courtesy of Brian Schneider's 12th-inning homer on Thursday and All-Star Ryan Howard's two-run blast in the 10th on Friday.
For Howard, it was his 17th homer of the season and fourth career walk-off blast.
Halladay will look to redeem himself in his last outing against the Reds. The 33-year-old right-hander permitted four runs and a career-high 13 hits over eight innings in a 4-3 loss to Cincinnati on June 30.
The hurler bounced back in his last outing, allowing one run and five hits in a complete-game victory over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves on Monday.
Halladay, who is 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA in three career outings against Cincinnati, will be opposed by rookie Travis Wood on Saturday.
The 23-year-old left-hander has yet to record a decision in two career starts with the Reds this season. He has a 3.86 ERA after starts against the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, respectively.
Wood allowed five runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Mets on Monday, but the Reds recorded an 8-6 victory in that contest.
The hurler might not want to let his guard down against the Phillies, who scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to rally to a victory on Friday.
Greg Dobbs blasted a three-run homer, Cody Ransom added a two-run shot and Howard had an RBI single in the frame as Philadelphia posted just its fourth win in 10 games.
Ryan Madson (2-0) retired the side in the top of the 10th - striking out two - to pick up the victory.
Jonny Gomes belted a three-run homer, former Phillie Miguel Cairo had a two-run double and All-Star Joey Votto added a run-scoring single for NL Central-leading Cincinnati (49-39).
The Phillies may receive a bit of good news on Saturday.
Manager Charlie Manuel expects catcher Carlos Ruiz to return to the lineup after being sidelined since June 19 with a concussion. The team has been shifting both Schneider and Dane Sardinha in and out of the lineup in Ruiz's absence.