Carlos Ruiz Returns, Cole Hamels Seeks First Win As Phils Eye Sweep In Queens

The Phillies are on a roll in New York and it's been a fantastic weekend full of runs, more runs and great pitching. Kyle Kendrick threw a complete game shut out on Friday and Jonathan Pettibone earned his first career win as the Phillies' bats backed him big time scoring nine runs yesteday to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Today, the Phillies will go for the sweep in New York and will attempt the sweep as Cole Hamels (0-3, 5.40 ERA) and Jonathan Niese (2-1, 3.81 ERA) square off in the series finale. There's more news on today's plate as Carlos Ruiz makes his season debut after serving a 25-game suspension for PED-use.

Cole Hamels has pitched exceptionally well over his last three starts, but has no wins to show for it. Over his last three starts, Hamels has allowed six earned runs through 21 innings pitched. A lack of run support is to blame for Hamels going 0-3 to start the season for the first time in his career. In his last outing, on Tuesday against Pittsburgh, Hamels went eight strong innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking one. Despite getting his third quality start on the year, Hamels was handed the loss as his offense couldn't score a single run. Hamels is hoping that the Phillies will carry over their hot bats from yesterday into today to help him out. In his career against New York, Hamels has a 5-10 record with a 4.33 ERA (62 ER in 129 IP) 

Jonathan Niese is making his start as scheduled despite leaving his last outing early after being hit on the leg by a line drive. Before his early departure, Niese allowed an earned run on three hits in 2 1/3 innings pitched. Niese walked three and struck out one. In his start before that, Niese held the Rockies to three earned through six innings, but was handed the loss. Niese has had fair numbers against Philadelphia in his career. In over 79 career innings of work, Niese has a 5-5 record with a 3.63 ERA (32 ER in 79 1/3 IP). 

Carlos Ruiz is back in the Phillies lineup since 2011 (excluding Spring Training) as he returns today. Ruiz was suspended by Major League Baseball in November after testing positive for an amphetamine, later noted as adderall. The Phillies have struggled offensively without Chooch at the plate as well as going 11-14 in their first 25 games.

Game Notes:

• CHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH!
• The Phillies have only averaged only 3.50 runs per game, 24th in MLB with out Ruiz.
• The Phillies are a game away from sweeping their first series of the season.

Phillies lineup:

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

Cole Hamels will start today's game.

Mets lineup:

1. Ruben Tejada SS
2. Daniel Murphy 2B
3. David Wright 3B
4. John Buck C
5. Lucas Duda LF
6. Marlon Byrd RF
7. Ike Davis 1B
8. Juan Lagares CF
9. Jonathan Niese P

Jonathan Niese will start today's game.

First Pitch Forecast: Sunny – 65° – 10% PoP

TV: myPHL17
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT

Let's Go Fightins!

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