The Phillies host the Dodgers tonight in the first of a 10 game homestand at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers are the midst of a 10 game road trip, but have played well as of late, with three straight series wins. To take the series from the Phils this week, they’ll need to beat two of Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt.
Lee is up first against Dodgers’ lefty Ted Lilly. Lilly is 1-4 lifetime against the Phils with a 5.91, which inflates to 7.16 in his three career starts at the Bank. Cliff Lee only has one career start against the Dodgers, throwing 7+ innings of one run ball in a game he did not earn a decision.
Domonic Brown will get the start in right field against a lefty for the first time this season. Charlie Manuel opted to give Raul Ibanez the day off, so Ben Francisco will start in left. Jimmy Rollins is still sore from fouling a ball off his leg over the weekend, so Wilson Valdez will get another start at SS.
Victorino CF
Polanco 3B
Utley 2B
Howard 1B
Francisco LF
Ruiz C
Brown RF
Valdez SS
Lee P
The Dodgers have not had a great recent history in Philadelphia. Our pals over at SBNation LA detailed the Dodgers recent trips to what they’re calling our “House Of Horrors.” I think we need to make sure Hex Boy is in attendance for all three games.