@Philabaseball
If nothing else, the weather will certainly not be a factor in Roy Halladay's performance tonight against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park.
The veteran right-hander lasted just 3 1/3 innings in his first start of the season last week against the Braves on a damp, chilly night at Tuner Field, surrendering five runs on six hits. He struck out nine, but also walked three.
Tonight's forecast calls for temperatures in the low-70s with clear skies.
"He's working on things, but he's coming around, no doubt about it," said Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee. "The conditions in Atlanta last week were less than ideal."
Halladay threw 95 pitches, 55 for strikes in his season debut. He struggled with his control and induced more fly-balls than grounders, an alarming trend if it were to continue.
Historically, Halladay has had great success against the Mets as a Phillie - going 7-0 with a 1.78 ERA. David Wright, Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada and Lucas Duda are a combined 9-for-63 against Halladay with 21 strikeouts.
The Mets counter with 24-year-old Matt Harvey, a hard-throwing right-hander who tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out ten last week in a contest against San Diego.
- Patrick Gordon is the managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball or contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.
- Patrick Gordon is the managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball or contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.
