Having lost seven of their last eight games, and in danger of dropping their third consecutive series today, the Phillies find themselves standing on increasingly perilous ground. Picking up a W today doesn't necessarily turn them around, but it would be nice to get away from the ledge.
A city turns to Cliff Lee, who we're sorry to say remains winless. The Fightins have produced two runs or fewer in five of Lee's nine starts this season, but they've enjoyed some sub par Orioles pitching over the weekend. Unfortunately, they send their most competent starter in Jason Hammel to the mound for the rubber match.
Hammel is in the midst of his best season by far since making it to the big leagues in '06. 40-47 with a 4.82 for his career, the righthander is 6-2 with a 2.97 in 2012, and cracks the AL's top 10 in WHIP (1.215) and strikeouts per nine (8.775). The Phils know him well though from his time in Colorado -- Hammel is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in four appearances against.
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Lee has been generally reliable this season, so it should be up to the offense to get to Hammel.