Kyle Kendrick Looks To Spur Phillies Back At Home In Series Opener Against Miami

I'll be honest, the Phillies suck right now. Even after they washed away the Mets this past weekend, they went back to their old ways of failure to hit with runners on and simply score. The Indians scored a total of 20 runs between Tuesday and Wednesday, completely obliterating the Phillies in both games. Roy Halladay was lit up as was Cliff Lee, who suffered his second loss of the year last night. The offense was attrocious, scoring just two runs on eight hits throughout the series. All-in-all the Phillies stranded 34 men on base and ropped their 15th game of the year. As the Phillies return home, they are seeking redemption as well as a resurgence as the Marlins come to town. Kyle Kendrick (2-1, 2.41 ERA) will take on Alex Sanabia (2-3, 4.85 ERA) in game one tonight.

Kyle Kendrick has flat out been the staff ace of the Phillies' rotation so far. Coming off of his second career complete game shut out, against the Mets last Friday. Kendrick took his second win of the year as he yielded just three hits and one walk. Kendrick is rolling so far this season, earning four quality starts out of his first five starts. In his last three, Kendrick owns a 0.82 ERA in 22 innings. Kendrick has not pitched against the Marlins yet in 2013, but will take them on tonight. In his career, Kendrick is 10-2 with a 3.71 ERA (35 ER in 85 IP) against Miami.

Alex Sanabia is coming off two consecutive losses for the first time in his career. The 24-year-old lasted 6 2/3 innings against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing three earned on six hits. Sanabia has struggled with his command all season long counting 16 walks against 15 strike outs. Sanabia has a 4.82 ERA in his last 18 2/3 innings spreading over three starts. Sanabia leads the Marlins in walks in a rotation that has a 4-13 record alone. In one career start against Philadelphia, Sanabia has an 0-0 record with a 1.50 ERA (1 ER in 6 IP).

Game Notes:

Kyle Kendrick has a 1-1 record with a 4.58 ERA (9 IP in 17 2/3 IP) at home compared to his 1-0 record and 0.00 ERA on the road.
Ryan Howard has a career 1.033 OPS against the Marlins. It's his third highest against any NL club, his best against any team in the NL East.
Delmon Young (Elbow) will start in RF tonight after resting last night due to a HBP on Tuesday.
Ben Revere will sit out with a swollen ring finger (sliding into 2B last night)

Phillies lineup: