Philadelphia @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 8, 2010 ) NY Mets 5, Philadelphia 6
The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets enter their three-game series at Citi Field with their attentions seemingly focused on separate matters.
The Phillies (64-50) have won eight of their last 10 and, per usual, will look to continue yet another strong second-half surge en route to a fourth straight postseason berth.
A two-time defending National League champion, Philadelphia sits two games back of the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves after rallying from seven runs down to post a 10-9 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.
For Charlie Manuel's club, it's business as usual.
As for Jerry Manuel's club, well ... its focus has been shifted to matters away from the diamond.
Closer Francisco Rodriguez was arrested and charged with third-degree assault on Wednesday night after a physical altercation with his girlfriend’s father. Rodriguez was then suspended two games by the Mets (57-57) and placed on the restricted list.
As for New York pitchers who will actually, you know, pitch, R.A. Dickey (7-5. 2.65 ERA) will take the mound on Friday. The knuckleballer permitted a season-high six runs in three innings last Sunday en route to a 6-5 loss to the Phillies.
Dickey does have a victory over the Phillies in his pocket. The 35-year-old Tennessee native tossed six strong innings in an 8-0 triumph on May 25.
Philadelphia will counter with 2008 World Series Most Valuable Player Cole Hamels (7-8, 3.45 ERA), who was brilliant in his last outing - but still lost. The 26-year-old left-hander allowed just one run in seven innings and struck out 11, but was outdueled by Johan Santana and the Mets on Saturday.
The Phillies were unable to score in their 1-0 loss on that day, but they managed to plate four runs in both the eighth and ninth innings to rally to an improbable victory on Thursday.
Carlos Ruiz belted a two-run double and plated three runs and Jayson Werth continued his torrid hitting of late with a two-run single in the rally. Ben Francisco had an RBI double and Wilson Valdez added RBI singles for Philadelphia.
Despite taking two of three from the Colorado Rockies, the Mets are just 9-17 since the All-Star break and reside nine full games behind the Braves.
Prior to Thursday's contest, the Phillies activated center fielder Shane Victorino from the disabled list. The Hawaiian didn't start the game, but came in during the seventh inning and walked and stole second base.