The Phillies will play the Mets in the rubber game of their series with the Mets in a 3pm matinee today at Citizens Bank Park. Roy Halladay will make his second start of the year after pitching well in the opener but failing to earn a decision. Halladay was very good in four starts against the Mets last year, allowing just nine runs over 31 2/3 innings.
He'll be facing Jon Niese, who pitched well against the Phillies last season posting a 2.14 ERA in three starts. With the defending Cy Young award winner on the mound, the Phillies aren't likely to need the kind of offensive onslaught they displayed last night, but if they can get to Niese early things could get ugly against a Met bullpen that was taxed last night when starter Mike Pelfrey was chased after two innings.
The Phillies will be looking for Halladay to pitch deep into the game after their own bullpen was called on to pitch 4 2/3 innings of high leverage relief last night.