Phillies Host Marlins, Look To Inch Closer In NL Race
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – While a ton would still have to break right for the Phillies to reach the postseason for a sixth straight year, all of a sudden the scenario is not quite as crazy as it was two weeks ago.
The Phillies have won four in a row and eight of ten to pull to within two games of .500 and six games of that final NL wildcard berth. On paper, one big advantage the Phillies have down the stretch is the schedule. After sweeping a bad Rockies team over the weekend, the Phillies now host the Marlins for three (last in NL East) and then travel to Houston for four (worst record in baseball). A hot week here could really make things interesting.
On the mound for the Phillies will be right-hander Kyle Kendrick who is 8-10 on the season, but he has been superb as of late. In his last five starts, Kendrick is 4-1 with a 1.53 ERA. In 35.1 innings, he has allowed just six earned runs on 25 hits with four walks and 25 strikeouts.
Kendrick also has had a ton of success against the Marlins in his career, going 9-2 in 18 appearances (13 starts) with a 3.92 ERA.
The Marlins will counter with left-hander Wade LeBlanc who is 2-3 this season.
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Comcast SportsNet Phillies analyst Ben Davis about tonight's match-up and about how realistic a run at the playoffs is for this team.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.
