Velasquez, Phillies aim for sweep, 6th straight win in series finale against Indians

By: Matt Rappa, managing editor

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies (14-10) will look to secure their second series sweep of the season as they oppose right-hander Danny Salazar and the Cleveland Indians (10-11) Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies — who have won five straight games and eight of their last nine — are four games over .500 and finished with their best record in the month of April for the first time since their franchise-best 102-win season in 2011. Their last and only series sweep against Cleveland in six series all-time came on June 22-24, 2010.

Right-hander Vince Velasquez will take the mound for his fifth start in a Phillies uniform.

Last Night: Galvis, strong pitching lift Phillies to fifth consecutive victory


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Cleveland Indians (10-11) Philadelphia Phillies (14-10)
RHP Danny Salazar RHP Vince Velasquez
(2-1, 2.35 ERA) (3-1, 1.78 ERA)

Danny Salazar — Age: 26;

  • Last Start: April 25, 2016, at MIN: ND, 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO
  • Career vs. PHI: N/A

Salazar has allowed just three hits or fewer in each of his four starts this season. He has walked at least three batters in each appearance, however, rising his WHIP ratio to 1.043.

In seven career interleague starts, the four-year veteran is 0-4 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.223 WHIP.

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Vince Velasquez — Age: 23;

  • Last Start: April 26, 2016, at WSN: W, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO
  • Career vs. CLE: (0-1), 1 G, 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, HR, 2.84 ERA

Three of Velasquez's four appearances this season have been quality starts. He has allowed just 16 hits, six walks and two home runs against 100 batters faced, striking out approximately one-third of them, 33.


Starting Lineups:

Cleveland Indians (10-11) Philadelphia Phillies (14-10)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 3B Jose Ramirez 1 CF Odubel Herrera L
2 2B Jason Kipnis 2 SS Freddy Galvis S
3 SS Francisco Lindor 3 3B Maikel Franco R
4 1B Carlos Santana 4 1B Ryan Howard L
5 C Yan Gomes 5 Cameron Rupp R
6 CF Tyler Naquin 6 LF Darin Ruf R
7 LF Rajai Davis 7 2B  Cesar Hernandez S
8 RF Lonnie Chisenhall 8 P Vince Velasquez S
9 Danny Salazar R 9 RF Peter Bourjos R




Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 2:35 p.m.
  • TV: CSN
  • Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

  • The Phillies are 144-183 (.440) and 80-89 (.473) at home all-time in interleague play.
  • Center fielder Odubel Herrera — who has reached base in 21 consecutive games — is tied with St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina for the longest active hitting streak in Major League Baseball, 11.
  • The Phillies' second series sweep last season did not come until July 17-29, 2015, home against the Miami Marlins.

What's Next:

  • Monday, May 2, 2016: at St. Louis Cardinals, 8:15 p.m.
    • Busch Stadium
    • RHP Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 3.81 ERA) vs. RHP Adam Wainwright (1-3, 7.16 ERA)
    • TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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