Although an established and talented pitcher, Roy Oswalt probably feels a little like a comedian about to take the stage after Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais did their acts. Little Roy gets the start tonight at Citizens Bank Park against the Florida Marlins and will attempt to follow up a pair of complete games from Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee down in DC on Wednesday and Thursday.
After Oswalt's first start of the season, Roy talked a bit about what it's like to follow those pitchers' impressive performances, "First two guys come out and throw unbelievable. You don't want to be the odd man out."
So expect Roy to go nine innings tonight, right?
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"If Roy can go nine, Roy will go nine," Charlie Manuel said prior to this evenings game, noting that getting the win always trumps whether a guy finishes a game, but also added that any of his five starters can go the distance on any given night.
Oswalt (2-0, 2.25) will take on the Marlins righthander Javier Vasquez in the first meeting of the season between the two teams this evening.
Two big changes to the Phils lineup this evening as Ross Gload will start in rightfield in place of Ben Francisco and will bat sixth behind Raul Ibanez. Gload has great career numbers against Vazquez with a .457 BA, 1.215 OPS over 35 at bats. Pete Orr will also start at second and bat eighth behind Carlos Ruiz.
A very nice yet chilly night at the ball park in South Philly. Almost feels a little weird to only have the Phillies in action with the Sixers and Flyers having the night off. But hey! The Soul are in town.
News
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See Charlie Manuel get his warm up on before the game
See Carlos Ruiz meet Carlos Ruiz: Chooch and Pescadito
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The Phillies will honor Jackie Robinson this evening as every player will wear No. 42 as their jersey number for the game against Florida.