Coming off the high of a strong Phillies presence at the All-Star Break festivities, fans had hoped that their would be a tad of momentum heading into their series in Atlanta against the Braves. Unfortunately, any momentum the team had seemed to fall off after Cameron Rupp's RBI single in the second inning of last night's 6-4 loss to Ervin Santana. A.J. Burnett didn't have the greatest of games, possibly dampening his trade lure. The rumors continue to swirl with plenty of Phillies players, but the season does continue to play on. Another trade candidate, Cole Hamels, gets the ball in tonight's contest, and he'll look to replicate his last outing against the division rival. Meanwhile, Aaron Harang will need to model game after his June 29th game against the Phillies, and not so much the June 18th one.
Cole Hamels continues to have one of his best years, somehow keeping a steady hand despite receiving little support form his offensive teammates. After his stretch of three games without surrendering a run to his opponents, Hamels has given up multiple earned runs in four of his last five outings. To his credit, those totals have not surpassed three runs in a game, and Hamels hasn't hit four earned runs allowed in a game since May 27th against the Colorado Rockies. Back on June 16th, the lefty veteran had a seven inning, shutout performance against Atlanta, striking out six while walking just two. While those numbers still didn't get him a win that game, Hamels will need to replicate the performance if the Phillies are to be successful.
For Atlanta, Aaron Harang has been a nice surprise, and vital to their depleted rotation. His 3.56 FIP and K/9 ration of just over seven have helped the team stay afloat within the Eastern division. Harang has led his club to four wins in his last four starts, and hasn't allowed over three earned runs in a game since he gave up eight to the Phillies back on June 18th. Thirteen hits and three free passes doomed Harang to a loss that day, but he'd rebound against the same Phillies squad eleven days later. He still surrendered a robust eleven hits, but just a pair of earned runs to score the victory for his team.
Game Notes:
- Despite coming back poorly from his disabled list stint, Cody Asche has been on a bit of a hot streak of late. With his base knock in last night's game, the third baseman now has a ten-game hitting streak, which includes twelve hits, four doubles, and four RBIs.
- The Phillies are now 4-7 against the Braves in the 2014 season, as the team continues to struggle against the NL East this season. Last night was their first loss in Atlanta this season, however, after their three game sweep a few months back.
- After losing four straight games, the Braves have now won four of their last five contests. They've also scored a combined 27 runs in their last three games, while giving up 17 to their opponents (Cubs, Phillies).
Phillies Linuep
- Grady Sizemore CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Cody Asche 3B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Cameron Rupp C
- Cole Hamels P
Braves Lineup
- B.J. Upton CF
- Andrelton Simmonds SS
- Freddie Freeman 1B
- Justin Upton LF
- Jason Heyward RF
- Chris Johnson 3B
- Tommy La Stella 2B
- Christian Bethancourt C
- Aaron Harang P
Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
Weather: 76°F – Drizzle – 28% PoP
Game Time: 7:10 PM Eastern
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
