The Phillies have gotten off to a very bad start in this weekend series in Milwaukee. Losing the first two games by large deficits, they have just proven what this team is all about: not being able to find a solid groove. Unlike Thursday, last night's game was not a close call loss. Thanks to some horrible defense, Vance Worley and the Phillies fell into a deep hole that they were unable to come close to climbing out of. Tonight, Cole Hamels (13-6, 2.91 ERA) will take on rookie Mike Fiers (6-5, 2.63ERA) in an effort to prevent a series loss and push the Phillies towards a split in this four-game set.
With a 23 scoreless-innings streak, two consecutive complete game shut outs and a drive to still reach the post season, Cole Hamels is definitely pitching like a $144 MM pitcher should be. In his past two starts, Hamels has completey dominated his opposition. On Monday in Miami, Hamels tossed a seven-hit CGSO against the Marlins to notch his 13th win of the season. Hamels struck out five and walked one in the 4-0 victory. With that shutout, Hamels became the third pitcher in Phillies history to toss consecutive shutouts, joining Cliff Lee (3 in 2011) and Cory Lidle (2 in 2004). Hamels has not faced the Brewers this season, but in his career he is 5-2 with a 3.41 ERA.
Opposing Hamels will be right hander Mike Fiers, who is coming off of a nightmare start against the Rockies. On Monday, Fiers was tagged for eight runs on nine hits through two innings of work. Fiers allowed more runs in two innings than he had in his previous 62 innings of work, which stretched over nine starts and a relief appearance. Fiers was riding a three-game winning streak before Monday's run in with the Colorado bats, but he will look to revert to his early-season self against the Phillies tonight. Fiers has never faced the Phillies before in his career.
Domonic Brown had a tough night last night and will play tonight's game in left field.
Tonight's lineup @ Milwaukee
- Rollins, SS
- Frandsen, 3B
- Utley, 2B
- Howard, 1B
- Brown, LF
- Nix, RF
- Mayberry, CF
- Kratz, C
- Hamels, P
TV: CSN ; Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP.
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
