Game 95: Heading to the all-star break

A year ago the Phillies entered the all-star break a .500 team before fading in the second half.

This season they stand at 42-52 entering today's final game before the break when they conclude their weekend series at Citizens Bank Park with the Washington Nationals.

The Phillies were 48-48 at last year's all-star break, 6.5 games out of first place in the National League East They would end the season 73-89.

The Phillies enter today nine games behind co-leaders Atlanta and Washington.

Kyle Kendrick (4-8, 4.46 ERA) faces Nationals RHP Tanner Roark (7-6, 3.12)

The key for Kendrick is getting past the first inning. This season he has a 10.50 ERA in the first inning and opponents have a 1.062 OPS.

Domonic Brown, who pinch hit last night, remains out of the starting lineup with strep throat.

The Phillies were just 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position during Saturday's 5-3 loss in 10 innings to the Nationals.

The Phillies have now lost 28 of their last 30 games when scoring three runs or fewer. They are 8-40 overall when scoring three or fewer runs.

Here is the Phillies starting lineup.

1. Grady Sizemore, LF

2. Jimmy Rollins, SS

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 1B

5. Marlon Byrd, RF

6. Cody Asche, 3B

7. Cameron Rupp, C

8. Ben Revere, CF

9. Kyle Kendrick, P