In what could be Cole Hamels' last start in a Phillies uniform, it's set to be a great pitching matchup. Hamels (11-4, 3.07 ERA) will go toe-to-toe with Giants ace Matt Cain (10-3, 2.56 ERA) in game two of this three-game series. After dropping the opener last night, 7-2, the Phils will look to even out the series behind the arm of Hamels.
In Hamels' last start, against the Rockies on Sunday, he tossed a gem allowing just one earned run over eight innings of six-hit ball. Hamels struck out seven and walked one to earn his 11th win of the season. Over his last three starts, Hamels is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA. Hamels has a strong history against the Giants. In over 70 career innings, Hamels is 5-3 with a 3.95 ERA against the Giants.
Matt Cain is coming off of a strong start against the Astros. In his first start since the All-Star break, Cain tossed 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball. Although one run was unearned, Cain still took the the win after striking out six and allowing just five hits. Cain will make his 19th start today as he aims to take the series against the Phillies. In his career at Citizens Bank Park, Cain is 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA. In his lifetime against the Phillies, Cain is 1-4 with a 3.42 ERA.
This could potentially be Hamels' last start at Citizens Bank Park as a Phillie. In 98 career starts at home, Hamels is 46-32 with a 3.19 ERA. With contract talks escalating, Hamels might be staying in Philly for a long time. But there is always that possibility that he won't agree to a contract deal and could be dealt by July 31st.
Today's lineup vs San Francisco:
- Rollins SS
- Victorino CF
- Utley 2B
- Howard 1B
- Chooch C
- Pence RF
- Pierre LF
- Fontenot 3B
- Hamels P.
TV: FOX ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
