The Phillies look to end a rather abysmal California road trip in which they have gone 1-4 and given up an average of 6.4 runs per game over that stretch. The pairing of below average starts and sub-par defense has left the Phills with a slim 0.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. They look to squeak out another win against the Padres, who have gone back and forth in the win/loss column of late.
This afternoon’s pitching matchup will be interesting indeed with veteran righty Jake Arrieta taking the mound for the Phillies and Rookie call up Cal Quantrill will take the hill for San Diego.
Quantrill has been called up from the minors for the third time and looks to put together a quality start to increase his chances of staying with the big club for an extended period of time. This season he has pitched 21 innings, striking out 19 batters, walking 7 and posting an ERA of 5.14.
Arrieta has had a bit of an up and down year for the Phillies, hanging around a 3.5 ERA while giving up an average of nine hits per start and over one homerun per start. He has managed to eat up a lot of innings and has shined at times.
This game could be a toss up and could be a strong pitcher’s duel or an absolute slugfest depending on the weather as well as starting pitching.
Thomas Gaudio Baseball Journalism 