Darin Ruf won't get a chance to continue his hot streak tonight (Photo Credit: Andrew Gillen)
After taking game one of their series against the Chicago Cubs, the Phillies scored only four runs in the final two and dropped to 27-44 in road games this season. Kyle Kendrick's woes continued, as a 30-pitch first inning escalated into five runs allowed in his start. Save for another Darin Ruf homerun, the Phillies offense did little to support Kendrick. J.C. Ramirez came in for the eighth inning, and had very little control of his pitches, surrendering three walks and two runs to hand the Cubs the win. Tonight, the Phillies make their return home to face the Stephen Strasbug and the Washington Nationals. Cole Hamels will get the start for Philadelphia.
Hamels is coming off two stellar months, especially in comparison to his start of the season. In the month of August, King Cole went 2-0 with a modest 2.00 ERA. He had a total of 37 strikeouts, and three of his starts saw him throw at least eight. In his last start, Hamels pitched seven innings of two run ball. He did allow nine hits but struck out eight en route to a 6-2 Phillies victory over the New York Mets. Hamels last saw the Nationals back on July 9 in Philly, when he allowed just one run (of course, a solo shot by Jayson Werth) in eight innings of work. Since 2010, Cole is 6-2 against the Nationals with a 3.02 ERA.
His opponent, Stephen Strasburg, is more than pleased to see the Phillies again. Back on the 11th of August, Stras recorded his first career complete game shutout against the Phils. In his last start for Washington, Strasburg was forced to leave the game after throwing just two innings when a 72 minute rain delay occurred. Since suffering an elbow injury at Citizens Bank Park just over three years ago that forced him into Tommy John surgery, Strasburg's numbers in total are actually pretty bad. Not including the shutout, his numbers stand at 0-1 with a 6.28 ERA in three games started.
Game Notes:
- Both the Phillies and Nationals are 4-0 in their respective starter's last four appearances. Something will have to give tonight.
- Jayson Werth's .323 batting average is fourth in the National League for the season.
- In the last 30 days, Darin Ruf is the National League leader in home runs with nine. He hit another in yesterday's game.
Phillies Lineup:
- Cesar Hernandez CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Kevin Frandsen 1B
- Pete Orr 3B
- John Mayberry LF
- Roger Bernadina RF
- Cole Hamels P
Nationals Lineup:
- Bryce Harper CF
- Scott Hairston LF
- Ryan Zimmerman 3B
- Jayson Werth LF
- Ian Desmond SS
- Adam La Roche 1B
- Wil Ramos C
- Anthony Rendon CF
- Stephen Strasburg P
TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP; 1210 WPHT
