Last night was a good example of how small ball can produce wins. The Phillies used the runners on base to score and it worked out. It would have been nicer if they had gotten a couple more runs, but a win is a win. Jonathan Pettibone debuted last night and he was solid, allowing two earned runs on six hits through 5 1/3 innings pitched. The 22-year-old allowed two solo homers and struck out six en route to a n0-decision. Jimmy Rollins delivered with two RBI to secure the Phillies' win in game one. Tonight Cole Hamels (0-2, 6.46 ERA) will take on Jeff Locke (1-1, 5.17 ERA) in an attempt to win his first game as well as taking a 2-0 series lead over the Pirates.
Cole Hamels had a solid outing his last time around. The lefty allowed three earned on five hits through seven innings against the Cardinals. With two walks and eight strike outs, Hamels had the line of a winning pitcher, but a lack of run support prevented him from earning his first win of the season. With the Phillies' bats mildy-hot as of now, hopefully Hamels can get some run support and take it to the Pirates, a team he has relatively good numbers against. In his career, Hamels is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA (12 ER in 34 IP) against Pittsburgh.
Jeff Locke is coming off of a rough outing against Atlanta on Thursday. The lefthander allowed four earned runs on six hits through 4 2/3 innings of work. A big problem Locke had last time around was location. With four walks in his last start, Locke totaled 9 walks in 15 2/3 innings over three starts. Locke needs to be key-on tonight as the Pirates have two veterans (Francisco Liriano, Charlie Morten) a long time away from completing rehab. He may have an easy time tonight as he has never faced the Phillies, a team who doesn't nescessarily do to well against guys they have never seen.
Game Notes:
- SCORE RUNS FOR COLE HAMELS!
- Clint Barmes is 4-for-7 (.571) in his career against Hamels with two doubles, one homer and three RBIs.
- With last night's win, the Phillies are 9-11 and are two games under .500.
- Chase Utley will rest for tonight's game.
Phillies lineup:
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Freddy Galvis 2B
- Michael Young 3B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- John Mayberry Jr. RF
- Dom Brown LF
- Ben Revere CF
- Erik Kratz C
- Cole Hamels P.
Pirates lineup:
- Starlin Marte LF
- Jose Tabata RF
- Andrew McCutchen CF
- Gaby Sanchez 1B
- Russell Martin C
- Neil Walker 2B
- Brandon Inge 3B
- Clint Barmes SS
- Jeff Locke P.
First Pitch Forecast: Mostly Sunny – 54° – 10% PoP.
TV: The Comcast Network
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT.
Let's Go Phillies!
Erik Seybols is an O.G. Journalist for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
