Monday, May 23, 2011
Posted: 12:30 p.m.CSNPhilly.comPhillies (28-18) vs. Reds (25-22), 7:05 p.m. on CSN
Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Cole Hamels (5-2, 2.92) has terrific career numbers against the Reds, going 6-0 with a 1.07 ERA in seven regular-season starts. He also faced Cincinnati in Game 3 of last year's NLDS, twirling a five-hitter to send the Phils to the NLCS.Reds: Bronson Arroyo (3-4, 4.11) hasn't won in his last four starts, while the team is just 2-5 in his last seven starts. In Wednesday's outing vs. Pittsburgh, the righty gave up five runs in seven innings. He is 1-5 with a 5.54 ERA in eight career games vs. Philadelphia.
Previous gamesRoy Oswalt gave the Phillies a quality performance Sunday, but the offense once again struggled in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers. Oswalt gave up one run in seven innings, but the Phillies managed just five hits - all singles - as they failed to sweep the weekend series.
Meanwhile, the Reds have lost five straight games, including all three they played against the Indians over the weekend. Sunday's 12-4 defeat featured two hits, including a home run, by both Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. But the Reds pitching staff allowed Asdrubal Cabrera to rack up five hits, including two homers.
Head-to-head
The Reds have lost eight straight games in Philadelphia, including both contests in last year's NLDS. The Phillies have won seven straight matchups with the Reds overall, recording shutouts in four of the last five meetings.Whos hot?
In his last four games, Raul Ibanez is 4-for-13 (.308) with two walks, three runs scored and two RBIs. Closer Ryan Madson has nine saves in as many opportunities this season and enters this series with a 0.47 ERA.For Cincinnati, Votto has picked up where he left off in 2010. The reigning NL MVP is batting .335 and has an OPS over 1.000 for the second straight season.StorylinesThe return of Chase Utley, who has been out all season with a knee injury, is far and away the biggest storyline for the Phillies. Their offense has been woeful for most of the year and the hopes are that Utley, along with the recent promotion of Domonic Brown, can help provide some punch. ... Can Hamels continue his remarkable success against the Reds? Likewise, can the Phils continue to own Arroyo? ... Utley is 5-for-12 in his career against Arroyo, including the postseason.
Sound off
Do you believe Utley will be honest with Charlie Manuel regarding his health? Will he actually tell the Phils' manager when he needs a day off?