Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Posted: 10:15 a.m.
CSNPhilly.com
Phillies (54-32) at Marlins (38-47) - 7:10 - CSN
Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Cole Hamels (9-4, 2.41) is coming off a start against the Red Sox in which he exited early after being hit in his right hand by a line drive. Hamels has started three straight games in search of his 10th victory, but the Phils have scored a total of three runs in those starts. Hamels' last win came against the Marlins on June 14, when he gave up one run in seven innings.
Marlins: Chris Volstad (4-7, 5.01) started that game for Florida against Hamels on June 14. He allowed eight runs in 5 23 innings (including four homers) in the 9-1 loss. Since that start, however, Volstad is 2-0 with a 1.31 ERA in his last three outings.
Previous games
The Phillies took Monday's series opener, 1-0, behind Vance Worley's seven scoreless innings and an RBI single by Michael Martinez. Antonio Bastardo closed it out for his fifth save in as many chances.
The Marlins have lost 14 of their last 16 home games.
MLB
Head-to-head
The Phillies are 8-2 against the Marlins this season and swept a four-game series from the Fish in mid-June. The Phillies are 20-4 in their last 24 games in Miami.
Whos hot?
Chase Utley has hit safely in eight straight games. Jimmy Rollins has stolen 13 straight bases without being caught.
For Florida, Emilio Bonifacio has hit safely in seven straight games. Lefty reliever Randy Choate has been scored upon just once in his last 34 appearances.
Storylines
Several Phillies have terrific career numbers against Volstad. Ryan Howard has seven homers in 24 at-bats against him. Raul Ibanez and Rollins are a combined 21-for-48 with four homers against him. ... Meanwhile, the Phils will look to contain Florida slugger Mike Stanton, who has gone 75 at-bats without a home run. ... Volstad is trying to win three straight starts for the first time in his career. ... The Phillies have won six games in a row against the Marlins. ... Shane Victorino could return tonight after missing last night's contest with a thumb injury.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports that Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton will see an eye specialist Wednesday regarding blurred vision stemming from an eye infection.
Sound off
Do you think Hamels should have come out of the game after getting hit in his non-pitching hand during his last start?