Thursday, June 30, 2011
Posted: 9:55 a.m.
CSNPhilly.com
Phillies (51-30) vs. Red Sox (45-34), 1:05 on CSN
Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Cole Hamels (9-4, 2.49) has lost each of his last two starts, though he has allowed four runs in 14 13 innings over those two outings. The Phillies have scored two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. Hamels is 3-0 in three career starts vs. Boston, holding the Sox to a .197 batting average with an ERA of 1.71.
Red Sox: Jon Lester goes for Boston. He has a 0.64 ERA in two starts vs. Philadelphia in his career. He has 16 strikeouts against only three walks against the Phils. Lester also has dropped his last two starts, with the Sox scoring a total of three runs for him in those contests.
Previous games
Cliff Lee stole the show Tuesday night with a two-hitter - his third straight shutout - as the Phillies won 5-0. On Wednesday, it was Vance Worley (seven innings), Michael Stutes and Antonio Bastardo who shut down the Red Sox. The Phils won 2-1 with Raul Ibanez delivering the decisive homer in the seventh.
Head-to-head
Last season, the Red Sox grabbed four of six head-to-head matchups, outscoring the Phils 39-17. This is the first and only matchup between the teams this season.
Whos hot?
Shane Victorino has hit safely in seven of his last eight games. He doubled and scored in Wednesday's win. ... Bastardo, the team's closer at the moment, hasn't allowed a run since May 25 vs. Cincinnati. He has walked only one batter in his last nine appearances.
Storylines
It remains to be seen what kind of lineup the Red Sox will go with today. Will they put Adrian Gonzalez back at first base? Will they sit David Ortiz against Hamels? Gonzalez is 8-for-22 with two homers against Hamels. ... Ibanez is 4-for-9 lifetime against Lester. ... The Phillies have the best interleague ERA in the majors at 1.58. ... The Phillies' home record (32-13) is also the best in the majors.
Sound off
Which of the Phillies' first two wins against the Red Sox did you personally enjoy more?
Related: Ibanez turns back the clockLidge close to returning?