Saturday, May 28, 2011
Posted: 2 p.m.
CSNPhilly.com
Phillies (31-19) at Mets (26-25), 7:10 p.m. on FOX
Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Cole Hamels (6-2 3.06 ERA) has struggled against the Mets. Despite being tied for the second most wins in the National League this season, the 27-year-old lefty is 2-9 against the Mets in 14 career starts. In Hamels' first start of the 2011 season, against the Mets, he allowed six runs on seven hits in just 2 23 innings of work.
Mets: Mike Pelfrey's pedestrian 3-4 record is courtesy of rough April that included a seven run performance at Citizens Bank Park on April 6. Pelfrey has shown improvement on his home turf boasting a home ERA of just 2.00 in four starts but his recent history against the Phillies is grim.
Previous games
The Phillies and Mets seem to be headed in opposite directions. While the Phillies have won six of their last eight, the Mets have lost five of their last six. Friday night, the Phillies stole the first game of the series 6-4 by scoring three runs in the ninth off of Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Head-to-headThe Phillies are 5-2 against the Mets in 2011. Last season they were held scoreless in each of Hamels' starts at Citi Field.
Pelfrey has had a rough start to 2011 and some of that can be credited to his two starts against the Phillies.
Who's hot?
Last night marked Jimmy Rollins fourth multiple hit game in his last six outings. Rollins has also notched eight hits against Mets so far in 2011.
Chase Utley's return has sparked the Phillies offense. While Utely's numbers have been mediocre, he hasa career .300 average with four home runs against Pelfrey. This may be a great opportunity for Utley regain his stride.
MLB
Storylines
The Mets are struggling and the Phillies may be surging. Cole Hamels will look to maintain his current streak of success against a team known for getting the better of him.
Sound off
Since 2007 the Mets and Phillies rivalry has lost some of it's spark. What NL East team poses the greatest threat to the Phillies?