Florida Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies

 

 

 

 

 

Anibal Sanchez vs. Freddy Garcia

(2-0, 4.15 ERA) (1-1, 4.66 ERA)

 

TV: FSN Florida

Scheduled Start Time: 7:05 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies came into the season believing they would contend in the NL East, while the Florida Marlins were looking to improve after a surprisingly strong 2006. Both teams are beginning to show signs of fulfilling those expectations.

 

The Phillies look to bounce back from their first loss in six games when they open a three-game series with the Marlins on Friday night.

 

Despite a 4-2 defeat to Washington on Thursday, Philadelphia (9-12) has started to turn its season around. The Phillies are 7-4 after losing eight of their first 10.

 

Philadelphia was confident entering the season, with Jimmy Rollins proclaiming in January the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Their play over the past two weeks suggests they should be able to do that.

 

"If you can win two out of three, two out of three, next thing you know, you'll be over .500," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

 

Philadelphia had just five hits Thursday after scoring 39 runs during its five-game winning streak. Aaron Rowand hit a solo shot to extend his career-best hitting streak to 14 games, during which he's batting .415 (22-for-53) with four home runs and nine RBIs.

 

Freddy Garcia (1-1, 4.66 ERA) will take the mound for Philadelphia after earning his first National League victory in his last start, allowing two runs in five innings to beat Cincinnati 9-3 on Sunday. The right-hander, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in December, did not walk a batter in his second start since opening the season on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis.

 

This will be Garcia's first appearance against Florida.

 

Florida (10-11) has won four of five since a six-game losing streak, and seems ready to begin building on last season's strong finish.

 

"Our confidence level is so high right now," Marlins shortstop Alfredo Amezaga said after a 4-3 win over Atlanta on Wednesday night. "We're in a tough division, but I think this game is going to help us battle with those teams."

 

Anibal Sanchez (2-0, 4.15 ERA) will take the ball for Florida on Friday. The right-hander has started to settle down after a rough beginning, allowing three total earned runs in his last two outings.

 

Sanchez gave up three runs - two earned - and three hits in five innings to beat Washington 9-3 on Saturday night. He faced Philadelphia once as a rookie last year, giving up a career-high eight runs while walking six in an 11-5 loss July 30.

 

Florida won Wednesday in dramatic fashion, with Miguel Olivo scoring the winning run on a passed ball to cap a four-run rally in the ninth inning against Braves ace Tim Hudson and closer Bob Wickman.

 

The Marlins are hoping first baseman Mike Jacobs (bruised right thumb) can return for this series. He was in the on-deck circle when Wednesday's game ended.

 

preview courtesy of yahoo sports. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview;_ylt=A...F?gid=270427122

 

i guess this is punishment for losing to you guys the other day....stupid dudson. :banghead :banghead :banghead

Go Marlins!

 

Thanks for starting the game thread, Furcalchick :lol

GO FISH!!! GIT-R-DONE!!!

 

Here is to many more game threads in a row started by Furcalchick :cheers

go fish! the day off and solid performance from olsen the other night should do wonders to help our overtaxed bullpen. here's to sanchez going 7 or 8 strong innings tonight!

expect rain delays tonight

I find it pretty ironic we have a Braves fan starting our game threads. Regardless, GO FISH!!!

expect rain delays tonight

It doesnt look too bad unless some storms pop up. But it is still early.

been raining all day

expect rain delays tonight

Only a 40% chance there for tonight. Hopefully it won't rain.

HEY GUYS....BACK FROM ENGLAND..

 

WASSUPP!?!?!

I'll be at work so keep those updates coming, Admin.

 

Go Fish!!!

expect rain delays tonight

Only a 40% chance there for tonight. Hopefully it won't rain.

 

Hopefully it will in the 6th inning with the Marlins up 2-0... :mischief

 

:gofish

Go Fish! Man, as much as I love Hanley...I really miss Big Tex(random I know, but he has been getting dap throughout the day)

I am going to introduce my girlfriend to the joys of watching baseball tonight. I hope it doesn't rain! GO MARLINS!

I find it pretty ironic we have a Braves fan starting our game threads. Regardless, GO FISH!!!

 

you can thank tim dudson for me. i was hoping the braves would win...but oh well.

 

btw, rollins' mouth is too big...

Welcome back to the starting lineup, Jake

Lets win boys!

I find it pretty ironic we have a Braves fan starting our game threads. Regardless, GO FISH!!!

 

you can thank tim dudson for me. i was hoping the braves would win...but oh well.

 

btw, rollins' mouth is too big...

Yeah because Hudson was terrible in that game.

No Borchard in the lineup though.

Phillies TV: CSN

Harry Calis back! NFL Films time

YEAH!

Miguel's side looks okay on that swing.

Yes 1-0 Marlins!

The Boy Called Cabs does it again

Good job Miguel.......