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For the first time in a long time, the Philadelphia Phillies start a series and aren't in the NL East basement.
That distinction is now the sole possession of the Miami Marlins, who enter Monday a half-game back of the Phillies after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
Cole Hamels will be toeing the rubber for Philadelphia, looking to keep his terrific season going and his team on the rise. Hamels enters the contest with a 12-6 record and a 3.08 ERA despite playing for a team currently 10 games below .500.
In his last start, the southpaw was brilliant in a complete game shutout win over the Atlanta Braves. In that game, Hamels didn't allow a walk while scatting five hits and racking up six strikeouts.
Opposing him is Nate Eovaldi, who hasn't been as successful in 2012. The 22-year-old is 3-7 with a 4.33 ERA and a newcomer on Ozzie Guillen's squad after coming over in the Hanley Ramirez deal.
However, Eovaldi also pitched a scoreless game in his last appearance, going five innings against the New York Mets. The right-hander did allow six walks and four hits, but danced out of trouble to earn the victory.
The Phillies are looking to turn their luck around against the Marlins, who have won the last five meeting between these two clubs.
TV: CSN
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
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