Astros at Phillies
When the Astros visit Philadelphia for a brief two-game set, the spotlight will be on two hitters looking to get going. The Phillies’ Hunter Pence is mired in a 2-for-23 slump, dropping his batting average to .243. After a hot start, Houston’s J.D. Martinez is batting .221 with just one hit in hits last 35 at-bats. Martinez rested for three games before going 0-for-4 in his return Sunday.
The Astros have won seven of their last 12 games and nine of their last 16, but they wasted a stellar effort by Wandy Rodriguez in Sunday’s 12-inning, 3-2 loss to the Pirates. The Phillies improved to 2-5 in one-run games after beating San Diego 3-2 on Sunday behind Cole Hamels’ seven strong innings. The Phillies’ bullpen has been a concern, but closer Jonathan Papelbon has done his part by going 10-for-10 in save opportunities.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Houston (Houston), CSN (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lucas Harrell (2-2, 4.58 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Joe Blanton (3-3, 3.24 ERA)
Since tossing seven scoreless innings in his season debut, Harrell has one quality start in his last six outings. Harrell, who gave up three runs (two earned) over 5 1/3 innings last Wednesday against the Marlins, has struck out just 19 while walking 16 hitters in 39 1/3 innings.
Blanton threw 108 pitches over 6 2/3 innings against the Mets last Tuesday, giving up four runs with seven strikeouts. Blanton has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his six starts, and he’s 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Houston.
WALK-OFFS
1. At 16-10, the Astros are the only National League team with an above-.500 record all-time at Citizens Bank Park.
2. Placido Polanco needs one hit to reach 2,000 and become the 17th active major leaguer with that many hits.
3. Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. had a .175 batting average on April 22, but he's hitting .293 (12-for-41) with a home run and four RBIs in his last 19 games.