Hamels, Verlander Square Off In Hamels’ Final Spring Training Game Before Regular Season

Spring training has finally come to an end for Cole Hamels, who makes his final preparation today. The Phillies will face the Detroit Tigers before they come to their Clearwater home to host the Blue Jays at Bright House Field one last time and then for their On-Deck Series at Citizens Bank Park. Yesterday, the Phillies routed the Rays, 10-1 behind the bats of Domonic Brown and Freddy Galvis. Brown went 3-for-4, scored two runs, and drove in an RBI in the win.

This afternoon  Cole Hamels (2-0, 1.13 ERA) will make his fifth start of the spring, six days before he makes his first Opening Day start of his career. Hamels has been spectacular this spring, holding opposing batters to a .182 avg. in 16 innings of work. In his last start, against Boston on Thursday, Hamels allowed an earned run on four hits through six innings. Hamels walked two and struck out five while receiving the no-decision. The Phillies went on to lose the game, 6-1. 

Justin Verlander (1-2, 4.74 ERA) will oppose as he makes his sixth start of the spring. Just like Hamels, Verlander will be making his last start before Opening Day. Verlander began his spring in good form, but over his last two starts he has allowed 9 earned runs. His last start, against Houston on Thursday, Verlander surrendered four earned runs on six hits and three home runs. The 2012 Cy Young and MVP Award winner has pitched against the Phillies before this spring, back on February 24th. He allowed an earned run on three hits through two innings in that start.

Game Notes:

• Spring training is finally over after today!
• Ben Revere will lead off for the second straight game.
• Charlie Manuel is back in the dugout after taking a day off yesterday for dental work.

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Kevin Frandsen 3B
3. Michael Young DH
4. Laynce Nix 1B
5. Chooch C
6. Pete Orr 2B
7. John Mayberry Jr. RF
8. Freddy Galvis SS
9. Ender Inciarte LF

Cole Hamels will start today's game.

Tigers lineup: 

1. Austin Jackson CF
2. Torii Hunter RF
3. Miguel Cabrera 3B
4. Prince Fielder DH
5. Victor Martinez 1B
6. Matt Tuiasosopo LF
7. Jhonny Peralta SS
8. Alex Avila C
9. Omar Infante 2B

Justin Verlander will start today's game.

Gametime Forecast: 59°F – Sunny – 0%PoP

TV: ESPN
Radio: None

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