Second Place Phils Call Cole Hamels To Take On Mets In Game Two

15 hits, 13 runs…that's what it took for the Phillies to win their 49th game of the season and get a head start on the second half of the season. Although Kyle Kendrick surrendered six earned runs through 5 2/3 innings his offense gave him enough run support to give him his ninth win of the season. With a seven-run third inning that was high-lighted by a Michael Young three-run home run. This afternoon Cole Hamels (4-11, 4.05 ERA) will aim to give the Phillies a fast start in the second half. He will take on the Mets led by rookie Zack Wheeler (3-1, 3.54 ERA). 

Cole Hamels is coming off of another no-decision. On Sunday against the White Sox, Hamels went eight strong innings allowing two earned runs on eight hits. Striking out seven and walking none Hamels was dealt he no-decision after the bullpen blew the game. The Phillies would go on to win in 10 innings with a John Mayberry Jr. walk off hit. In his last three starts, Hamels is 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA with 19 strike outs. Hamels has pitched against the Mets twice this season, splitting them 1-1. In his career against the Mets he is 6-11 with a 4.28 ERA.

Zack Wheeler has settled down in his last two starts after allowing nine runs in the first three starts of his career. On Wednesday against the Giants, the rookie held the opposition to an earned run on three hits through seven innings of work. Walking three and striking out five, Wheeler was given his third win on the year. Control has been an issue for Wheeler, who has walked at least two batters in all of his five starts – including five walks in his debut. Wheeler has never faced the Phillies before in his career.

Game Notes: 

• Since Manuel began managing the team in 2005, the Phillies are 358-228 after the All-Star break.
• The Phillies are above .500 for just the second time this season and have won 8 out of their last 11 games.
• The Phillies have won seven straight games at Citi Field.

Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Michael Young 3B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Domonic Brown LF
5. Darin Ruf 1B
6. Delmon Young RF
7. John Mayberry Jr. CF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Cole Hamels P.

Mets lineup:

1. Eric Young LF
2. Daniel Murphy 2B
3. David Wright 3B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Josh Satin 1B
6. Juan Lagares CF
7. Anthony Recker C
8. Omar Quintanilla SS
9. Zack Wheeler P.

First Pitch Forecast: Partly Cloudy/Scattered T-Storms – 91° – 50% PoP

TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.