Phillies at Dodgers
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is heating up just in time for this weekend’s showdown against the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers, who have taken a commanding lead in the National League West with 12 wins in their last 15 games. Harper has 11 extra-base hits and 16 RBIs over his last 13 contests and will look to carry his momentum into Friday’s opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
The Phillies have won nine of their last 13 to move three games ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East and hope to make a statement against the reigning NL champions. “It’s definitely a test for us, but I don’t think we have to play with any pressure,” second baseman Cesar Hernandez told reporters. “Down the road, if we stay in first place and they stay in first place you know that eventually we're going to play each other in a bigger scenario. But for now there's no pressure.” Philadelphia is 10 games over .500 and has won or split nine of its last 10 series (7-1-2), while the Dodgers lead baseball in victories (38) and the NL in runs scored (308). Los Angeles improved to 3-1 on its seven-game homestand with Thursday’s 2-0 win over the New York Mets behind Hyun-Jin Ryu's 7 2/3 shutout innings.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (5-4, 3.60 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (6-2, 3.67)
Arrieta recorded his first win since April 27 with a stellar outing against Milwaukee on Saturday, allowing two runs with eight strikeouts and one walk over eight innings. “He was huge for us,” catcher J.T. Realmuto told reporters. “His stuff is electric. Even when guys get out there and runners are in scoring position, with him, that’s when he’s at his best.” The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 3.07 ERA in seven starts versus the Dodgers.
Maeda came off the injured list Saturday and won his third straight start by allowing three runs over five frames in a 11-7 victory over Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old owns a 1.38 ERA in four starts this season at Dodger Stadium compared to a 5.64 mark in six road outings. Realmuto is 4-for-9 with two solo home runs against Maeda, who is 3-1 with a 4.55 ERA in six starts versus the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers lead baseball this season with a 22-7 home record and a 17-6 mark in games decided by one or two runs.
2. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said RHP Nick Pivetta will start Sunday’s series finale.
3. Dodgers 3B Justin Turner missed Thursday’s game because of tightness in his hamstring and is listed as day-to-day.