Joe Blanton: Philadelphia Phillies SP Has Been Lights Out at Citizens Bank Park

The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will continue a three-game National League East series on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Phillies as minus-165 home favorites, while the total is holding steady at its opening number of 8.5.

Phillies starting pitcher Joe Blanton (3-3, 2.83 ERA) is coming off his best effort of the 2012 campaign, picking up a 4-0 shutout victory over the Atlanta Braves on the road. He scattered three hits and struck out six, while not issuing a single walk.

The right-hander enters with a perfect 2-0 record and 1.88 ERA in two home outings, as opposing hitters are batting .204 against him.

In nine career starts versus the Mets, Blanton has compiled a 3-1 record and 3.50 ERA, but was knocked around a bit in two no-decision efforts a year ago, allowing seven runs and 11 hits over 6.1 innings. New York first baseman Ike Davis has five hits in 11 at-bats (.455) against him.

Mets starting pitcher Miguel Batista (0-1, 6.92 ERA) is scheduled to make his second start of the year (11th appearance), as he was saddled with a 6-1 home loss to the San Francisco Giants on April 23 in his previous spot start.

In 26 career games (eight starts) versus the Phillies, the right-hander has put together an even 3-3 record and 4.42 ERA, but hasn’t earned a decision in six career games at Citizens Bank Park (3.46 ERA).

The Mets are 0-4 in their last four road games against the Phillies when Blanton’s on the mound, while the “over” is 16-4-2 in the last 22 meetings overall in this series.

Weather forecasts suggest isolated thunderstorms and game-time temperatures in the low 70s in the Philadelphia area, with 10-15 mph winds out of the south (out to left).

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