Phillies look to even series behind Hernandez

Jun 2, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez (27) sits alone in the dugout after being pulled in the sixth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After a 7-4 loss against the San Francisco Giants Monday night, the Phillies hope Roberto Hernandez can have similar success to his last outing to even the series to one game apiece.

Hernandez (4-8) pitched a gem against a hot Milwaukee Brewers on July 9th in a 4-1 Phillies win.  He went eight innings, giving up only one run on three hits.  He has two career starts against the Giants in an 0-1 record against them.

The Phillies would also like to get extra-base hits against Yusmerio Petit.  All 14 Philadelphia hits Monday night were singles and the Phillies are only 5 for their last 21 with runners in scoring position.  Jimmy Rollins is 3 for 7 with a home run against Petit.

Petit (3-3) is filling in for the Giants’ Matt Cain who is now on his third disabled list stint of the season.  In seven big-league seasons Petit only has one complete game to his name, but the Giants would like him to go deep into the game after Ryan Vogelsong only went three full innings Monday night.  As a result, the Giants bullpen gave up only three base hits in six strong innings of relief.

Grady Sizemore, who was signed to a minor league deal just before the All-Star Break, looks to keep his bat hot as he has hit safely in all seven games since being called up by the Phillies.  He is batting .379 with an .898 OPS.

A former Philadelphia outfielder, Hunter Pence, has been hot also batting .500 in his last three games.  He was 3-for-5 Monday night, including a triple.

The Phillies (43-56) have lost two straight games and hope to pull themselves out of the National League East basement.  The Giants (55-44) on the other hand are currently tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first in the NL West.