Kyle Kendrick Squares Against Jason Marquis As Phillies Look for An Answer

After last night's disasterous loss to the Padres, it really honestly puzzles me how there can still be any faith left in this team. Cliff Lee was brilliant, allowing just two earned runs (inherited) over eight innings of work. He didn't get the win however, despite striking out seven. Even with a 3-0 lead late in the game it wasn't enough for Jonathan Papelbon, who blew his fourth save in eight days. The Phillies went on to lose their second straight game and the opener with San Diego. Tonight, five games under .500 and eight games out of first, the Phillies will send Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.56 ERA) to face the Padres in an effort to pull out a win. Opposing the Phillies will be Jason Marquis (9-2, 3.59 ERA).

Kyle Kendrick was handed a no-decision after allowing one run on two hits through 7 2/3 innings on Wednesday. Why a no-decision? Because the Phillies were unable to score any runs in his favor and winded up losing to the Nationals in 11 innings. Kendrick was solid on Wednesday, striking out six and inducing 13 groundouts. Over his last three starts Kendrick has a 5.50 ERA, but that is due to his shelling in Colorado last week. Kendrick will look to keep the ball down and use his sinker efficiently tonight as he takes on the Padres, a team he has a 2-1 career record against as well as a 5.51 ERA in 16 1/3 innings pitched.

Jason Marquis missed out on his 10th win of the year last time around. The veteran right hander took a no-decision after allowing two earned runs on seven hits through six innings of work against the Dodgers. Marquis has not won 10 games in a year since the 2009 season (15-13) and is looking to take advantage of the Phillies' lack of hitting to do so. Marquis is having a career year this season as the Padres are 11-0 in his past 11 starts and 12-3 overall on the year. Over his last three, Marquis is 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA, but has stuggled with his control, walking 10 batters over his last 20 1/3 innings pitched. In his career against the Phillies, as a National, Brave and Rockie, Marquis has a 6-8 record and a 5.45 ERA.

Game Notes: 

• Despite losing their last three games at Petco Park, including Monday night's loss, the Phillies are 24-7 (.774) all-time against the Padres in the stadium since it opened in 2004. It's the highest winning percentage for any visiting team (minimum of four games).
  
• After Monday's come from behind victory, the Padres extended their winning streak against the National League East to six, improving their record against the division to 10-4 on the season. 
• Domonic Brown is hitting .600 in five at bats against Marquis, including a home run.

Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Chase Utley 2B
3. Michael Young 3B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Domonic Brown LF
6. John Mayberry Jr. RF
7. Ben Revere CF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Kyle Kendrick P.

Padres lineup:

1. Logan Forsythe 2B
2. Will Venable RF
3. Carlos Quentin LF
4. Chase Headley 3B
5. Kyle Blanks 1B
6. Yasami Grandal C
7. Alexi Amarista CF
8. Pedro Ciriaco SS
9. Jason Marquis P.

First Pitch Forecast: Partly Cloudy – 68° – 0% PoP

TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.