Preview Game 38: Phillies @ Reds

The Phillies look to extend their winning streak to six games when they take the field tonight for game two of a three game series against the hosting Cincinnati Reds. Jamie Moyer once again will try to earn career victory number 250.

Moyer is saddled with an earned run average over eight and has had three straight starts in which he was hit hard by the Mets and Dodgers. The last time he faced the Reds was in 2007 when he allowed three runs and three hits in six innings and received a no-decision in a 9-6 loss.

Opposing him will be right handed pitcher Aaron Harang. Harang enters tonight’s game with a 3-4 record and a 3.44 ERA. This season, he has struck out 43 batters and walked twelve. Harang allowed five runs in 6.1 innings in his last outing and is 2-2 at home this season. Harang is 1-2 in eight games (seven starts) against the Phillies lifetime with a 6.15 ERA.

Jimmy Rollins has quietly put together an eight game hitting streak and raised his batting average to .223. A multi-hit game would be nice to see again tonight. Rollins is eight for 24 lifetime against Harang with three strike outs and caught stealing three times. The Phillies have accumulated a .314 batting average against Harang as well.

Phillies Record: 20-16
Reds Record: 20-17

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind):

1. PHILLIES 21-16, –
2. Mets 21-18, 1.0
3. Braves 19-19, 2.5
4. Marlins 18-21, 4.0
5. Nationals 11-27, 10.5

Pitching probables: Moyer (3-3, 8.15 ERA) vs. Harang (3-4, 3.44ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 7:10 pm

Season Series: Phillies lead 1-0

5.19 @ Cincinnati W 4-3 Preview/Open Thread/Recap

Game open thread will be posted at 6:30pm. Game recap will be up tomorrow morning.

Blog Note: For tomorrow afternoon’s game (12:35pm start time) Macho Rowwill be hosting a live blog while watching the game on tv. All are invited to stop by and discuss the game as it progresses. Sign up for an e-mail reminder on the website using the box on the right side of the page.

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