Philadelphia @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2010 ) Philadelphia 0, NY Mets 1
The Philadelphia Phillies apparently didn't get the memo. It's actually acceptable to bring your offense to Citi Field.
The New York Mets (58-57) shut out the Phillies (64-51) for the fourth consecutive time with a 1-0 triumph on Friday. New York recorded three straight blankings in a series sweep in late May.
Charlie Manuel's club has gone 25 straight innings at Citi Field without recording an extra-base hit.
On Saturday, Philadelphia will turned to its ace, Roy Halladay (14-8, 2.34 ERA), to help it return to its winning ways. Winners of eight of their last 11, the Phillies dropped three full games behind the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, who posted a 1-0 victory of their own over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.
Halladay has recorded four straight wins - and fanned at least nine batters in each outing. The 33-year-old right-hander was victorious in both starts against the Mets this season - including his last outing. He allowed five runs and nine hits, but struck out 10 in a 6-5 victory on Sunday.
New York will counter with journeyman Pat Misch, who is expected to be recalled from the minors for the start. The 29-year-old left-hander has posted an 11-4 mark with a 3.23 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo this season.
Misch is 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in six career appearances - two starts - against Philadelphia.
The hurler will look to follow in the footsteps of R.A. Dickey, who tossed a one-hit, complete-game gem on Friday.
Dickey's dominating outing was the second straight complete game by a Mets pitcher - following in the footsteps of Johan Santana's effective start in Thursday's 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
The complete-game gems also silently answered the question of who would pitch in the absence of Francisco Rodriguez, who was arrested and charged with third-degree assault on Wednesday night after a physical altercation with his father-in-law. The closer, who was then suspended two games and placed on the restricted list, is expected to return to the club for Saturday's contest.
Dickey's lone hit allowed came off the bat of opposing pitcher Cole Hamels, who had a single to shallow right field in the sixth inning.
Since Hamels won't be in the starting lineup, Philadelphia will need to find its offense.
The Phillies will receive a slight bump in this regard, as Carlos Ruiz is expected to return to the lineup after missing Friday's game with a sore right quadriceps. The catcher has been hot at the plate recently, amassing 17 RBIs since July 27.