(cited from MLB.com for Admin :thumbup )

Too much Chase Utley and Ryan Howard has spoiled what was shaping up as a strong Marlins' road trip.

Now after being swept in a split doubleheader on Sunday, the Marlins have dropped three straight. With not much time to reflect on their struggles, the youthful squad will try to rebound in the five-game series finale on Monday. Florida is now 3-4 in the eight-game road swing.

 

Utley, who has a 31-game hitting streak, and Howard, who has homered three times in the series, have done the most damage for the Phillies.

 

Marlins rookie right-hander Josh Johnson attempts to silence the Phillies' bats.

 

Since joining the rotation, the 6-foot-7 right-hander is 7-3 with a 2.45 ERA. Including his early-season stint in the bullpen, he is 8-5, and strives to join Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco as a nine-game winner.

 

On the road, Johnson is 3-3 with a 2.90 ERA. And in the day time, he is 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA.

 

The Phillies are going with veteran Jon Lieber, who is 4-7. This season, the Marlins are 1-1 against Lieber. Florida beat the right-hander at Philadelphia on April 21, scoring four runs in seven innings. But on a May 2 start at Dolphin Stadium, Lieber got the best of the Marlins, although he gave up five runs (four earned) in six innings.

 

Pitching matchup

FLA: RHP Josh Johnson (8-5, 2.60)

Coming off two straight no-decisions, Johnson seeks his first win since July 8. The rookie gave up four runs, with three earned, in six innings in his previous start at Atlanta. On the road, he is 3-3 with a 2.90 ERA. Johnson has won four of his last five decisions, and has worked at least five innings in all 15 of his starts.

 

PHI: RHP Jon Lieber (4-7, 5.52)

Lieber is scheduled to start for the Phillies on the afternoon of trade deadline day -- that is, if he's still a Phillie. Lieber, widely rumored to be headed elsewhere, gave teams a reason to be interested in his last start. Lieber got his first win since May 13, allowing four runs in seven innings. He surrendered 11 hits, but saved himself by not walking an Arizona batter. He is 1-1 against the Marlins this year, allowing eight earned runs in 13 innings.

 

Player to watch

Jimmy Rollins, who didn't play the first three games of the series, was in the lineup in Game 2 on Sunday night. The switch-hitter homered off Brian Moehler to jump-start the Phillies' six-run sixth inning.

 

On the Internet

MLB.TV

Gameday Audio

? Gameday

? Official game notes

 

On television

? FSN

 

 

On radio

? 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA (Espa?ol)

 

Up next

? Tuesday: Mets (RHP Mike Pelfrey, 2-1, 5.28) at Marlins (LHP Scott Olsen, 9-4, 3.79), 7:05 p.m. ET

? Wednesday: Mets (RHP Steve Trachsel, 9-5, 5.14) at Marlins (RHP Ricky Nolasco, 9-6, 3.94), 7:05 p.m. ET

? Thursday: Mets (RHP Pedro Martinez, 8-4, 3.59) at Marlins (LHP Dontrelle Willis, 6-8, 4.27), 7:05 p.m. ET

 

 

A few ? for todays games to ponder

1) which superstar will leave Philly today?

2) will the Marlins make a move before/during todays game?

3) Is this "that" game?

 

My prediction:

Marlins 4 Phillies 2

wow i actually thought todays game was going to be a 7:05 game, didnt really look at the schedule good lol. lets win this and at least leave Philly with a win.

 

GO MARLINS!!!!!!!

Amezaga

Uggla

Jake

Cabs

Hammer

Hermida

Ramirez

Olivo

JJ

Must win today fellas! DO IT!

Lets go Fish...leave the City of Brotherly Love with a W

 

:marlins

Roxy looks completely different than I pictured.

I know one of the women in the Race For Cash commercial! I'm so special!

:lol @ Tommy getting loose.

Welcome back Tommy, finally

Come on boys (Marlins).

you can tell Tommy had a good weekend but is tired!

Woot T-Hut!

Uggla that was Uggla

Uggla Ks

Thata boy sweets. Double.

thank you Jake :bases_secondbase

Double whopper

 

Let's go Cabs!

But there are two outs :sigh:. Go Miggs.

 

Thanks Miggy Homer.

:bases_homerun:

Keep talkin'!

 

Cabs goes yard!!! 2-0

:lol Thanks for talking about it Rich and Tommy

Finally....Miggy homers

OH YEAH!

:woot Thata boy sweets. Rally Hutton.

What they hell were they doing there? :headscratch