Chase Utley and Ryan Howard on the Bench as Cole Hamels Pitches for Series Win Against Rox

The Phillies finally pulled a win out of their behinds last night, taking the second game 8-5. Vance Worley got the win, his fifth of the season after tossing 6 2/3 strong innings while raking in two runs of his own from an RBI double. So the Phils pitchers can hit now? He's no Cliff Lee, but it's still cool. He also took a tumble in his first at-bat, which was actually his first hit of the season. So the Phillies evened up the series and today Cole Hamels will try to give the Phillies the series win. 

Hamels (10-4, 3.20 ERA) will be making his 18th start of the season today while it's his second against the Rockies. Hamels had a strong first-half, going 10-4 with a 3.20 ERA while striking out 118 in 118 innings pitched. In Hamels' last start before the break, he took a no-decision against the Mets, tossing seven innings allowing four earned runs on seven hits, a walk and seven strike outs. Back on June 19th, Hamels threw eight strong innings against the Rockies. He allowed just two earned runs on six hits while walking three and striking out seven to get the win. In his career against the Rockies, Hamels is 2-1 with a 4.25 ERA.

Opposing will be the lefty Drew Pomeranz (1-3, 3.06 ERA). Pomeranz is making his eighth start of the season as he takes the hill for the Rockies this afternoon. Pomeranz's last start came back on July 6th against the Nationals. The young lefty got the win after tossing 6 1/3 hitless innings and allowing just two walks while striking out six. In two starts since being recalled from Triple-A, Pomeranz has been accounted for just one unearned run over 12 1/3 innings. Pomeranz is making his first career start against the Phillies this afternoon.  

Hamels has been the talk of the town regarding his contract status. He's either going to be offered a huge deal, wait out until free-agency or he's going to be traded before July 21. The Phillies' homegrown lefty has been in red pinstripes since being drafted in 2002. Back in the winter, the Phils gave Hamels a one-year extension worth $15MM. If you think about it, that's just a fraction of the money Hamels will be making after this season no matter where he goes. Hopefully he and the Phils will be on the same page. 

Today's lineup @ Colorado:

1. Rollins SS
2. Victorino CF
3. Pence RF
4. Chooch C
5. Wiggy 1B
6. Polly 3B
7. Mayberry LF
8. Fontenot 2B
9. Hamels P.

TV: myPHL17 ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

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