Lopez, Rollins, Lead Phillies

When Jimmy Rollins goes, this team goes. That is exactly what happened tonight in the Phillies 7-2 victory over the New York Mets.

Rollins led off the game with a double, starting the Phillies offensive explosion off Mets’ starter Livan Hernandez. Rollins scored on Chase Utley’s single and Greg Dobbs doubled giving Rodrigo Lopez an early cushion.

The Phillies couldn’t have asked for more out of Lopez, who was making his first Major League start since 2007. Lopez pitched six shutout innings before getting into trouble in the seventh. He limited the Mets to two runs on six hits in 6.1 innings. He walked one and struck out four. It was the type of performance the Phillies needed.

The Phillies continued to pile on runs off Hernandez. In the third inning, Jayson Werth homered and Rollins’ two run double gave the Phillies a 7-0 lead. Rollins finished the night 2-for-5. Two nights will not officially put Rollins out of his slump, but it is a good start.

Victorino also had a decent night going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Chase Utley chipped in with two hits and two runs batted in. Every hitter in the Phillies lineup roughed up Hernandez, who lasted only three innings.

First place remains safe for one more day. Perhaps this win is something that the Phillies can build on.

Call of the Day: In the highlight reel you can enjoy a complete game by Brett Myers, but the call of the day came on a double play.

"Runner goes on the full count.. struck 'em out. Thow to second is..
in time! Struck 'em out throw 'em out double play!"

Renewed Rivalry

For full gamdeday, visit Phillies Nation.

The New York Mets (39-39) will face the Philadelphia Phillies (39-37) at Citizens Bank Park

Livan Hernandez (5-3, 4.04 ERA) will start against Rodrigo Lopez (5-4, 3.91 ERA in AAA).

Tonight, the rivalry is renewed in a big series for both teams. The Phillies look to turn around their struggles and stay in first place in the National League East. The Mets are only one game out, and they could find themselves in first if the Phillies continue to struggle at home.

Rogrigo Lopez will start against the Mets. With the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lopez has been inconsistent in his last ten starts. He has only given up one earned run his the last 14 innings he has pitched, however it has been a pattern that after he has success, he struggles in his next start. On the plus side, he has not walked many batters or given up many home runs. In his Major League career, Lopez is 65-65 with a 4.80 ERA.

Hernandez is 10-8 with a 3.36 in 24 career starts against the Phillies. At Citizens Bank Park, Hernandez is 2-2 with a 5.45 ERA. Chase Utley is 8-for-24 in his career against Hernandez. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each have homered off Hernandez twice in their careers.