PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — If it’s not pitching that lets the Phillies down, they’re being shutout by a 30-year-old rookie named Merrill Kelly. If it’s not hitting that lets the Phillies down, it’s a pitching staff that’s surrendered 109 homers, including eight in the Phillies’ 13-8 loss to Arizona on June 10.
The Phillies sit in second place entering a crucial June weekend series in Atlanta, the defending National League East champions. The Braves (40-29) have won seven straight and sit 1.5 games ahead of the Phillies, who have lost three of their last four games.
The Phillies (38-30) will count on Nick Pivetta (4-1, 4.