GDT 4/5/17: Phillies (Eickhoff) @ Reds (Finnegan)

[julio]

Game Time: 7:10 PM
Video: CSP-HD
Audio: 94 WIP

Philadelphia Phillies (1-0)

1	2B	Cesar hernandez	(S)
2	LF	Howie Kendrick	(R)
3	CF	Odubel Herrera	(L)
4	3B	Maikel Franco	(R)
5	1B	Tommy Joseph	(R)
6	RF	Aaron Altherr	(R)
7	C	Cameron Rupp	(R)
8	SS	Freddy Galvis	(S)
9	P	Jerad Eickhoff	(R)

Cincinnati Reds (0-1)

1	CF	Billy Hamilton	(S)
2	2B	Jose Peraza	(R)
3	1B	Joey Votto	(L)
4	LF	Adam Duvall	(R)
5	3B	Eugenio Suarez	(R)
6	RF	Scott Schebler	(L)
7	SS	Zack Cosart	(R)
8	C	Tucker Barnhart	(S)
9	P	Brandon Finnegan	(L)

[andyb]

Altherr in the lineup against a LHP. I expected this to happen regularly and it looks like that is Mackanin's intention given that there would be no reason to rest Saunders here. I am guessing Saunders will sit 2-3 times for every time that Herrera sits, but it is good to see this happening. Whether Altherr might play against some RHP for Kendrick is another question but at least this is a nice first step.

[zambonir]

Agree, though it is probably a little early to know for sure. Mackanin also likely wants to get everyone a start in the first series if he can. We could see Nava or Stassi tomorrow.

[EDmuch]

Weather is dicey in Ohio tonite.

[Les229]

If Altherr didn't start tonight, that would be along time sitting without playing a game. Altherr's bat came alive the third week of ST and maybe Mackanin just wants to keep him sharp. In addition, Kendrick had a good first game. I don't think I would read too much into it just yet.

[EastFallowfield]

Todd Zolecki (ToddZolecki)

[zambonir]

Agreed, but there's no question playing against LHPs in RF is Altherr's best chance. Herrera will rarely sit, and Kendrick bats from the same side.

Will be bummed if there's no game tonight, tomorrow is an early day game. Doubleheader an option I suppose.

[andyb]

Phillies have a 3:05 start on Friday. I don't think MLB can make them play a DH or night game before traveling to a day game. They would figure it out later in the year.

[PiedmontPhilly]

Game will not start on time. no ETA on start.

[zambonir]

Ah, right, still "opening day" at home.

Cincinnati's not far, but seems like it would be wiser to have all the early April games be in-division so you have more make-up options.

Looks like they are going to start this one though.

[Lucky_Beagle]

With 5 teams in a division they can't all play in division games. The other 4 teams are playing in division games IIRC.

[BostonRoss]

Not to mention two teams having to play interleague against an opponent they won't see again. The Red Sox-Pirates series ending game tomorrow is likely to be rained about, and so the Pirates will have to come back to Boston sometime for one game.

[zambonir]

True, it can't work for everyone, But last four years the Phillies have had interleague road (Texas), interleague (Boston), and now @ Cincinnati twice.

Of course, given how the teams are expected to do, a Reds-Phillies game might not need to be made up.

[phillychuck]

0-0 through 2 1/2 innings. Phils have one hit, Reds none. Flying along. Finnegan has a nice mid-90s FB.

[phillychuck]

Nice 3-6-1 DP to keep it at 0-0 through 5 complete innings. Strategy question--It's going to pour in Cincy soon. Do you PH for Eickhoff since you're going to have to take him out anyway?

[zambonir]

1-0 Reds in bottom of the 7th, man on second no outs. This one might be over unless Finnegan tires.

[BostonRoss]

Game appeared to be over when Herrera was thrown out stealing down two runs. But it was overturned on replay. Then Joseph struck out anyway to end the game.

It was strange that Odubel would run in that situation. Maybe he thought it would be defensive indifference.

[DurhamBull]

Altherr got one of the Phils' 4 hits. As a team, 13 Ks and 1 BB.

[ZardozMD]

Eickhoff pitched a great game. Phills got themselves out. The 13 Ks tell you all you need to know there.

[LoneStarPhan]

Being thrown out trying to steal with two outs in the ninth, down 2 runs, and a power hitter at the plate would have been a bad outcome. Of course, he really was safe but Joseph went down to end the game.

I hate to lose but I see good things again tonight. They have to get more offense but the pitching was solid again.

It's a long season. Let's win the rubber game and move home to dominate the NL East.