The Phillies really, really – for a lack of words – pissed off Cole Hamels last night. After striking out 10 batters and allowing two earned runs to the Marlins through six innings, the Phillies were only able to mount one run – a Domonic Brown home run – to support Cole's effort. It was another example of the pathetic offense that shows up to the ballpark when Hamels is pitching. I feel for Hamels, I really do. He's in the same spot that Cliff Lee was in last season and it flat out sucks. Sure he's had some bad starts, but majority of his outings have been winnable starts that have been smacked down by the opposing pitcher's ability to shut down the Phillies' bats. I really hope that they can figure out how to score some damn runs when Hamels is on the mound because it's freaking ridiculous.
Anyway, the Phillies will continue their three-game set with the Marlins tonight as they look to strike back in game two. Tyler Cloyd (0-0, 2.84 ERA), who was called up this morning in place of Carlos Ruiz, will take on Jose Fernandez (2-2, 3.48 ERA) – a guy that has shut the Phillies down in both starts he's made against them.
Tyler Cloyd has been called upon by the Phillies to make his second spot start of the season tonight. Cloyd, who pitched 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the Diamondbacks on May 10th. He took the no-decision and was quickly sent back to Triple-A Lehigh, where he was completely shelled in his only start back. Cloyd allowed 7 earned runs on 11 hits through 3 1/3 innings agaisnt the Norfolk Tides on Thursday. Hopefully Cloyd has a better experience against the Marlins tonight. He has never faced the Marlins lineup in his career.
Jose Fernandez has been a thorn in the Phillies' side all year long. In two starts against the club, Fernandez has held the Phillies to just three hits over 13 innings. His most recent start against the Phils came on May 4th where Fernandez threw seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball. Fernandez has also been on the short end when it comes to run support. The righty has allowed just 17 earned runs through 44 innings of work. In his last outing against Cincinnati on Thursday, Fernandez held the Reds to two earned runs on five hits through seven. Throwing a career-high 99 pitches, Fernandez took the no-decision. He will look to improve his 2-2 record tonight against the Phillies, who as you know, have not had good experiences with the righty.
Game Notes:
- Carlos Ruiz is officially on the DL.
- Ryan Howard is officially NOT on the DL and will start at first base.
- For the love of God, score runs!
- Get to Fernandez early. He throws good stuff, but he is hittable.
- Don't let this be a minor-league game.
Phillies lineup:
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Michael Young 3B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Delmon Young RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Ben Revere CF
- Erik Kratz C
- Tyler Cloyd P
Marlins lineup:
- Juan Pierre LF
- Adeiny Hechavarria SS
- Derek Dietrich 2B
- Marcell Ozuna RF,
- Chris Coghlan CF
- Greg Dobbs 1B
- Placido Polanco 3B
- Rob Brantly C
- Jose Fernandez P
First Pitch Forecast: Scattered T-Storms – 79° – 50% PoP.
TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT
Let's Go FIGHTINS!
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
