Hark, a game thread!
Kyle Kendrick placed fifth in the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year voting after a 10-4, 3.87 rookie campaign. A modern-day Lary Sorensen, Kendrick doesn't strike out many (career 3.7 K/9) and doesn't walk many (career 2.6 BB/9). Last season, he suddenly became hittable and struggled to a 5.49 ERA but still went 11-9. He spent most of this season in AAA and tonight will be only his second major league start of 2009. In 16 2/3 innings, he has struck out four and walked four.
Braden Looper set the franchise record for most home runs allowed in a season during his last start, so he could be in for a long night against the Phillies offense. If he manages to pitch effectively, however, he could lower his season ERA below 5.00 - hey, it could happen.
Mat Gamel isn't ready to play and have success, as the below lineup shows:
2B Felipe Lopez
3B Craig Counsell
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
CF Jody Gerut
RF Corey Hart
SS JJ Hardy
C Jason Kendall
RHP Braden Looper
Chris Smith didn't pitch yesterday, so he'll probably appear tonight. Here's the bullpen rundown:
Trevor Hoffman picked up a save with 15 pitches yesterday.Claudio Vargas allowed two hits on eight pitches last night.
Todd Coffey recorded two outs on 11 pitches yesterday.
David Weathers gave up two hits and was charged with two runs in 1/3 inning (6 pitches) yesterday.
Mitch Stetter faced one batter last night, allowing an RBI single to Ryan Howard on his second pitch.
Carlos Villanueva pitched two innings (25 pitches) Thursday.Josh Butler pitched one inning (18 pitches) Thursday.John Axford pitched one inning (8 pitches) Thursday.
Chris Smith pitched .2 innings (9 pitches) Thursday.Mike Burns has not pitched since Tuesday.
Seth McClung has not pitched since Monday.