The Phils had hoped to gain ground during their 12-game homestand, the longest of the season. Instead, they are 4-6. They stand 10 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East.
Pitching matchups. The Phils, who swept a doubleheader from the Montreal Expos last Sunday, will send Kevin Millwood (7-3, 3.20 ERA) against Oakland lefthander Mark Mulder (8-3, 3.08) in today's pitching-rich opener. Randy Wolf (6-3, 3.43) will oppose righthander Aaron Harang (0-0, 0.00 in four innings) in the nightcap.
The Phillies are 49-58 in interleague play since it started in 1997; they are 0-4 this year.
Clutch report. In the last four games, the Phils are hitting .188 (6 for 32) with runners in scoring position. For the season, they are batting .250 in that category.
Cooperstown-bound. The Phils will have eight minor-leaguers join the club for their Hall of Fame exhibition game against Tampa Bay on June 16 in Cooperstown. The eight: Vince Vukovich, who is the son of Phils third-base coach John Vukovich, Cole Hamels, Jake Blalock, Brian Hitchcox, Frank Brooks, Trent Pratt, Kiel Fisher and Bobby Korecky.
Notes. Philadelphia Athletics memorabilia, courtesy of the Philadelphia A's Historical Society, will be on display in the 200-level concourse today. . . . Third baseman David Bell is in a 1-for-37 funk. . . . The Phils begin a six-game road trip in Anaheim tomorrow night. They will play three games in Anaheim and three in Cincinnati. . . . T-shirts displaying the 10 different uniform patches the Phils have worn in their 32 years at the Vet will be given to men 15 and older today. . . . Entering the weekend, single-A Clearwater righthanders Gavin Floyd (3.16), Ezequiel Astacio (3.18) and Layne Dawson (3.22) were eighth, ninth and 10th in the Florida State League in ERA.
Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.
