Phillies Look To Pounce On Pirates In Fourth of July Series Opener

Happy Fourth of July, everybody! Nothing is more American than baseball, hot dogs, beer and fireworks all in one day. The Phillies are looking to give off some fireworks of their own as they open up a three-game series in Pittsburgh for the weekend. Escaping a possible second-straight series sweep with their 5-4 win in Miami last night, the Phils will look to add on to their winning effort this afternoon against the Pirates.

Roberto Hernandez (3-7, 4.26 ERA) is coming off of his second-straight loss his last time out. On Saturday against Atlanta, Hernandez allowed two earned runs on three hits while walking three batters over seven innings. It was the second time in his 15 starts this season that Hernandez has gone seven innings. Hernandez has struggled with his command all season and even though he has allowed four runs in his last 13 innings pitched, it is still not enough for a win. In two career starts against Pittsburgh, Hernandez is 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA.

Gerrit Cole (6-4, 4.02 ERA) is making second start after spending 3 1/2 weeks on the DL (shoulder) as well as his second July 4th start against the Phillies in a row. Last year, Cole allowed three runs on eight hits through five innings in a loss. Cole will look to bounce back from that performance a year ago as well as bounce back from his last start. On Saturday against the Mets, Cole yielded five runs on seven hits in a career-low four innings of work. Cole's only outing against the Phillies came on July 4th, 2013. 

Game Notes:

• The Pirates are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won their last four series matchups.
• Gerrit Cole took on the Phillies last year on July 4th, taking a loss in his only start against them.
• Roberto Hernandez has won just once in his last 11 starts.

Today's Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Koyie Hill C
8. Tony Gwynn Jr. LF
9. Roberto Hernandez P.

Pirates lineup:

1. Gregory Polanco RF
2. Starling Marte LF
3. Andrew McCutchen CF
4. Neil Walker 2B
5. Russell Martin C
6. Josh Harrison 3B
7. Gaby Sanchez 1B
8. Jordy Mercer SS
9. Gerrit Cole P.

First Pitch: 5:05 PM ET
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 75° – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: CSN

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