Cole Hamels looks to get back to winning ways against Marlins
Sep 7, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) throws during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Cole Hamels is arguably the biggest star to be featured it Friday night’s National League East showdown between the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins, but both teams will be without big stars.
The Phillies will be once again without Jimmy Rollins who suffered a hamstring strain on Monday, ultimately a mild injury. The Marlins on the other hand saw their superstar Giancarlo Stanton carted off the field Thursday night after being struck in the face by Mike Fiers of the Milwaukee Brewers. Stanton’s injury will likely end his season and it’s possible Rollins’ injury, although minor, could do the same.
In his last start Hamels took the loss, going 6.1 innings and allowing three runs which included a pair of home runs. His 8-7 record is not a good reflection of the great year he’s had and his 192 strikeouts rank ninth in the National League to compliment his 2.56 ERA, third lowest in the NL. The start prior to his last Hamels was apart of the Phillies’ combined no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies’ ace has a 3-2 record at Citizen’s Bank Park this season and with plenty of road games down the home stretch, Friday’s start could be his last at home in 2014. As of now he is in line to face the Marlins again in September in Miami. The Marlins have bested Hamels this season as his record is 0-1 in three starts against them. Luckily for the southpaw, he won’t have to face Stanton who is 12-for-43 lifetime against him with three homers and six RBIs.
Marlins’ centerfielder Marcell Ozuna, however, also has three homers off Hamels. Ozuna has hit a round tripper in each of his last four games.
Right-hander Henderson Alvarez will oppose Hamels. Alvarez has not pitched since the first of September due to an oblique injury, but he has put together quite a nice season with a 2.88 ERA and 10 wins. He has a win against the Phillies already this season after starting four games against them.
Both teams have lost their last two games and are 5-5 in their last 10.