New All Stars

Zach Duke has replaced Matt Cain on the All Star team. Trevor Hoffman replaced Jonathan Broxton. Both Cain and Broxton have suffered injuries.

Duke is 8-8 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Hoffman has 19 saves and a 2.13 ERA.

Carlos Pena will replace Dustin Pedroia on the American League roster. Pedroia will not be able to play because of family issues.

Pena is batting .230, but has a .893 OPS and 24 HR.

The All Star game will be on Tuesday.

All Stars Lead Blanton To Victory

The All Star syndrome is contagious. First it was Raul Ibanez and Chase Utley. Then, Ryan Howard. Next, Shane Victorino was voted in. Now, Jayson Werth is added. Several of those All Stars played a key role in today's win and Joe Blanton pitched an All Star-type performance.

In 7.1 innings, Blanton allowed one earned run; a Garrett Jones moonshot over the centerfield bricks. He allowed four hits and one walk. He struck out six.

In the third, Utley's single scored Victorino. The play at the plate was close, but Victorino's textbook slide tied the game at one. The Phillies took a 3-1 lead on Werth's two-run double that scored Utley and Howard.

Like Blanton, Zach Duke was also dealing. In eight innings, he allowed three runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out six. However, the Pirates weren't able to support him.

Despite giving up a solo home run to Brandon Moss and allowing the tying run to reach base, Brad Lidge converted the save by striking out Delwyn Young after falling behind in the count, 3-0. With the 3-2 win over the Pirates, the Phillies have won seven of eight.

Call of the Day: Chris Coste had a lot of big hits during his time with the Phillies.

"Deep to left center field, and this ball is OUTTA HERE! Three-run
home run Chris Coste! And this game is tied here in the second at 3-3.
With that home run Patty Buffett of Riverside, New Jersey, winning $100
courtesty of McDonalds' home run jackpot."

Pirates/Phillies Open Series

Pittsburgh Pirates (38-47) play the Philadelphia Phillies (45-38).

Zach Duke (8-7, 3.28 ERA) starts vs. Joe Blanton (5-4, 4.69 ERA).

The Phillies are 6-1 on this home stand, hoping to continue their winning ways. Their offense has been somewhat inconsistent. The Phillies need to hit with runners in scoring position. One thing that has been consistent during this homestand: the bullpen.

Joe Blanton will take the hill for the Phillies. After a slow start, Blanton is improving as the season goes on. In his last eight starts, Blanton is 3-1 with a 2.63. In his last outing, he out-pitched Johan Santana. In his lone career start against Pittsburgh, Blanton threw seven scoreless innings striking out seven.

Zach Duke has struggled in his career against the Phillies. In three starts, he is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA. Duke has had a good season, posting a 3.28 earned run average, but hasn't received much run support.

Chris Coste was designated for assignment after Raul Ibanez was activated from the disabled list. Coste was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.