The Phillies and Braves will settle their final series before the All Star break in a matinee this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. All Star Cole Hamels will take the hill against Derek Lowe as the Phils look for the series win.
If the last two games are any indication, this should be yet another tight game. The two teams have split the first two games of the series, both which went to extra innings. The excellent starting pitching for both sides has pretty much canceled each other out and it’s been the bullpens have made the difference. With Hamels and Lowe on the mound, that could certainly be the case again this afternoon.
Hamels has been on a tear this season and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in ten straight outings. He’s 10-4 with a 2.40 ERA, including a 1-1 record in three starts vs the Braves.
Derek Lowe has not been nearly as strong this year, but has started to come into form in recent weeks. The 38 year old has pitched to a 4.21 ERA this season, but will look for his third straight win today. Plus, he did throw six innings of shut out ball against the Phils back in May.
First pitch is at 1:05 this afternoon.