Philadelphia @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 15, 2012 ) Philadelphia 0, Houston 5
After sweeping a six-game homestand to put themselves in the race for the National League's second wild card, the Philadelphia Phillies are in danger of taking a major step in the wrong direction - courtesy of the majors' worst team. The Phillies will look to salvage a four-game split and hand the Houston Astros' their second consecutive 100-loss season on Sunday when the teams reconvene at Minute Maid Park. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay will vie for his fifth consecutive win against Houston, which posted a convincing 5-0 triumph on Saturday.
The Phillies' bats fell silent as they went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position on Saturday. As a result, Charlie Manuel's club finds itself back at .500 (73-73) and three games behind both St. Louis and Los Angeles for the final postseason slot. Houston isn't willing to lay down as the season concludes, splitting its 14 games in September after winning just five of 27 in August.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, WB17 (Philadelphia), FSH (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Roy Halladay (10-7, 4.01 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (4-11, 5.33)
Halladay posted his sixth win in seven outings, although it was not his typical dominating performance. The veteran hurler yielded five runs and walked three over 6 1/3 innings in a 9-7 triumph over Miami on Tuesday. Halladay is 2-1 in his career versus the Astros, but has yet to face them this season.
Lyles posted his second win in three decisions after scattering two hits over five scoreless innings in a victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The 21-year-old overcame a pair of homers to record a quality start against the Phillies on May 15, but did not pick up a decision. Lyles has allowed just one homer in his last five starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Phillies C Carlos Ruiz, who was limited to pinch-hitting duty on Saturday, is expected to start on Sunday. Ruiz was essentially given the day off as he deals with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
2. Houston's Justin Maxwell has homered in each of the last two games to claim the team lead with 16.
3. Philadelphia SS Jimmy Rollins stole third base in the first inning on Saturday for his major league-leading 12th time this season.