Phillies Send Cole Hamels Looking for Third Series Win in a Row

Yesterday, the Phillies (59-72) took game one of a three game series over the Washington Nationals (75-55). In the game, home runs by Cody Asche and Carlos Ruiz, as well as a stellar performance by A.J. Burnett, who went seven innings, striking out 12 batters on two hits, powered the Phillies to victory. The only blemish on the night for Burnett was a home run by Anthony Redon. The win ended a streak of five consecutive loses. 

Tonight, the Phillies will send ace Cole Hamels (7-6 2.53 ERA) to the hill. Hamels, who is coming off a rough outing where he gave up three runs over five innings, will look to get back on track. Before his last start versus the Mariners, Hamels went seven consecutive games of seven innings or more. The Nationals will counter with former Phillie, Gio Gonzalez (6-9 3.83). Gonzalez pitched seven innings giving up no runs on four hits in his least start against the DBacks. Before that start, Gonzalez only pitched six innings or more in three of the last seven starts including two starts under four innings. 

Game Notes:

• The Phillies organization is still debating whether or not they will call up top prospect Maikel Franco up as a September call up. After a slow first half of the season, Franco has hit .313 and has 31 doubles and 15 homers on the season.
• Phillies have not won three straight series in a row since winning four in a row from July 2-14, 2013.
• Roman Quinn highlights Phillies prospects heading toward AFL. Other players include: Logan Moore (C), Colton Murray (P), Ryan O'Sullivan (P), Nefi Ogando (P), and Ethan Stewart (P). Kelly Dugan was suppose to be in the mix before he broke a bone in his foot. 
• Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Cody Asche will all sit to start tonight’s game.

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Carlos Ruiz C
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Darin Ruf 1B
6. Grady Sizemore LF
7. Freddy Galvis 2B
8. Andres Blanco 3B
9. Cole Hamels P

Nationals Lineup:

1. Denard Span CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
3. Anthony Rendon 3B
4. Jayson Werth RF
5. Ian Desmond SS
6. Scott Hairston LF
7. Wilson Ramos C
8. Kevin Frandsen 1B
9. Gio Gonzalez P

First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET

Location: Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA 

Weather: 62^o F Clear

TV: CSN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on twitter @Ashipotofsky