Phillies Seek Offense as Cliff Lee Faces R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays

Since scoring 10 runs in a split squad game last Friday, the Phillies as a whole team have failed to make any noise at the plate. In their last three games they have been outscored by opponents  14-2. In yesterday's ball game, the only run scored came from a Wil Nieves single. That's all that the Phils would get, as their solid pitching lasted until the 7th inning and the flood gates opened. Losing 6-1 to Tampa, the Phillies look to answer back tonight with some offense behind Cliff Lee (0-0, 4.50 ERA) as they take on R.A. Dickey (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Blue Jays.

In Cliff Lee's first start of the spring last Thursday, the left hander allowed an earned run in two innings of work while striking out three. Lee looked good in form and location as well. Although he allowed an earned run on two hits, there should be nothing to be concerned about as it is just his first start of the spring. He will look to keep his location and velocity maintained as he takes on the Blue Jays tonight along with hopes of a steady offense behind him.

R.A. Dickey was strong for the Jays against the Phillies last Thursday. The 39-year-old knuckleballer tossed two innings of one-run ball (unearned run) while striking out two and walking two. Dickey's form was great and his location was a bit off, but then again it was the first start of the spring. Looking to keep the run support that the Jays gave him, Dickey will take on the Phillies for the second straight start tonight. 

Game Notes:

• The lights will be on tonight as it's the first night game of the spring at Bright House Field.
• This is the second meeting between Cliff Lee and R.A. Dickey.
• Today's Phillies lineup could very well be their Opening Day lineup.
• Jimmy Rollins has the flu and has been scratches from today's lineup. Freddy Galvis will play SS.

Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Freddy Galvis SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Bobby Abreu DH
7. Domonic Brown LF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Maikel Franco 3B

Cliff Lee is starting today's game against Toronto.

Blue Jays lineup:

1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Maicer Izturis 3B
3. Melky Cabrera LF
4. Moises Sierra RF
5. Adam Lind 1B
6. Erik Kratz C
7. A.J. Jimenez DH
8. Kevin Pillar CF
9. Ryan Goins 2B

R.A. Dickey is starting today's game against Philadelphia.

First Pitch: 6:35 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 60° – Cloudy – 10% Precip
TV: TCN

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