"We have to keep plowing away and get things back on track," manager Pete Mackanin said. "Keep putting in the work to get things to turn in our favor, that's what we got to do."
Boston is ranked 7th in our most recent Power Poll, while the Phillies rank 29th. It's also probably worth noting that the Red Sox have one of the better home records in baseball at 19-11, while the Phillies are a league worst 9-26 on the road.
After winning a pair to open the road-trip in Atlanta last week, the Phillies have dropped five straight and have scored just nine runs, while giving up 33.
Jerad Eickhoff gets the ball in the series opener, aiming to get things on track. He enters tonight with an ERA of 5.15 and has battled control issues all season. He lasted just five innings in his last outing against Atlanta, surrendering four runs - three earned - on four hits.
The Red Sox counter with last year's Cy Young winner in Rick Porcello.
Lackluster Bats
Michael Saunders is among baseball's worst in almost every offensive category. He'll sit out the series opener as manager Pete Mackanin wants to see more of Daniel Nava. Once thought to be a veteran asset with potential value to be flipped at the trade deadline, Saunders looks to have played himself out of a starting role.
Lights Out Boston
Boston has not been friendly to the Phillies. The club hasn't won a series at Fenway Park since 1999 and have dropped 11 of their last 14 contests in Boston. Overall, since 2004, the Phillies have gone 1-11-2 in 14 series against the Red Sox with a 5.94 ERA.
Look to the Future
Tonight marks the opening of the 2017 MLB Draft. The Phillies have the eighth pick in the first round. Check out out preview article here - [Phillies look to improve rebuild efforts through MLB Draft].
Monday's Lineup
1. Odubel Herrera, 8
2. Daniel Nava, 7
3. Aaron Altherr, 9
4. Howie Kendrick, 4
5. Tommy Joseph, 3
6. Andres Blanco, 5
7. Maikel Franco, DH
8. Andrew Knapp, 2
9. Freddy Galvis, 6
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