The Phillies got strong outing from Cole Hamels and used a three-run sixth inning to secure a 4-3 victory in game one of a four-game series with the Rockies on Monday night. The Phillies win marked their sixth straight, which is the first time they've done so since September 5-12 in 2012. Tonight, they'll look to extend that streak to seven, which is a definite possibility with their best starter on the mound against a Rockies pitcher who has an ERA just under 10 at Coors Field
Starting Pitching Match-up:
| Philadelphia Phillies (17-23) | Colorado Rockies (13-21) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHP | Aaron Harang | RHP | Chad Bettis | ||
| 4-3, 2.03 ERA | 0-0, 7.20 ERA | ||||
Despite Cole Hamels' recent resurgence in the rotation, Aaron Harang has been the Phillies most consistent starter this season. He's allowed one run or less in five of his eight starts and has lasted six innings in each of his starts. In his last outing, against Pittsburgh on May 14th, Harang pitched eight shutout innings, leading the Phillies to a 4-2 win. Harang walked one and struck out six while throwing 80 of his 112 pitches for strikes. He's been more successful at home than on the road, posting a 0.61 ERA within the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park while sporting a 3.75 ERA on the road, spanning 24 innings. Harang hasn't had too much luck at Coors Field through seven starts in his career. In 38 1/3 innings, he has a 5.63 ERA and a 1.59WHIP. He's 6-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 14 career starts against Colorado.
The Rockies go with 26-year-old right-hander Chad Bettis in game two of the series. Bettis, recently called up from Triple-A, has made one start at the big league level this season, against the Dodgers on May 14th. The Texas Tech alum tossed five innings and gave up four runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out three. For the Rockies Triple-A club in Albuquerque, Bettis was 2-2 with a 3.97 ERA in six starts to start the season. In three career appearance against the Phillies, including one start, Bettis has a 1.23 ERA.
Starting Lineups:
|
Philadelphia Phillies (17-23) |
Colorado Rockies (13-22) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Player | Bats | Position | Player | Bats | ||
| 1 | LF | Ben Revere | L | 1 | LF | Charlie Blackmon | L |
| 2 | SS | Freddy Galvis | S | 2 | SS | Troy Tulowitzki | R |
| 3 | RF | Grady Sizemore | L | 3 | RF | Carlos Gonzalez | L |
| 4 | 1B | Ryan Howard | L | 4 | 3B | Nolan Arenado | R |
| 5 | 3B | Maikel Franco | R | 5 | 1B | Wilin Rosario | R |
| 6 | 2B | Chase Utley | L | 6 | C | Nick Hundley | R |
| 7 | CF | Odubel Herrera | L | 7 | LF | Rafael Ynoa | R |
| 8 | C | Carlos Ruiz | R | 8 | P | Chad Bettis | R |
| 9 | P | Aaron Harang | R | 9 | 2B | DJ LeMahieu | R |
Game Notes:
- Phillies vs. Chad Bettis
- Carlos Ruiz: 3-for-3
- Chase Utley: 1-for-2, BB, K
- Ben Revere: 0-for-1
- Rockies vs. Aaron Harang
- Carlos Gonzalez: 6-for-15, 2 2B's, HR, 5 RBI's, 5 BB's, K
- Troy Tulowitzki: 6-for-23, 2 2B's, 3B, HR, 10 RBI's, 4 K's
- Nick Hundley: 2-for-6
- Last night's win moved the Phillies out of the NL East cellar and they went from 30th to 24th in the majors
- In the month of May, Ryan Howard is slashing .327/.385/.582 (18-for-55) with three doubles, a triple, three home runs, nine RBI's and five runs scored.
- The Phillies are 6-5 in one-run games this year and have allowed just 15 runs over their six straight wins.
- Rockies starter Chad Bettis has a 9.00 career ERA at Coors field and a 6.90 ERA over his career.
Broadcast Information:
Gametime: 8:40pm EST
Location: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
Weather: 43 degrees, Overcast, 5% chance of rain
TV: CSN
Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, SBP 1480 (Spanish Broadcast)
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
