Phils Take on Braves

Written by Rue on May 13, 2008 – 6:40 pm

The Braves face off against the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at Citizens Bank Park. Although the Braves have taken on every team in the NL East so far this season, this will be the first time the two clubs battle on the season.  Tonight is the 5th of 7 games on the road for the Braves.

Tonight we’ll see LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (1-0, 2.25) face off against Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 4.93).  Reyes has had an impressive showing this season both at AAA Richmond and pitching in two previous games before leaving with a blister after 2 2/3 innings last time out.

Things to watch out for: Chipper Jones, Mark Kotsay, Kyle Kendrick and thePhillies’ pinch hitters.

Chipper Jones is back on with his bat. He was hitless in Friday and Saturday’s games against the Pirates, but 4-8 in yesterday’s double header.  Let’s keep that fire burning.

Mark Kotsay has had an increasing batting average over the past few games.  Since April 17, his average has jumped from .220 to .310; and during that time period his average was a .368, the fourth highest in MLB for the time period.  

The Phillies are 4-0 in Kendrick’s last four starts, and he gave up only four walks in 31 IP .  Phillies’ pinch hitters have the 3rd highest batting average in the NL and lead all teams in pinch hits.  Fighting off that offense will be extremely important for the Braves if they hope to keep winning on the road.

Game 38 starts at 7:05 EST.

Tags: Jo-Jo Reyes, Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia Phillies
Posted in Game Threads |