Gameday: Dodgers (23-12) At Phillies (16-15)

Los Angeles Dodgers (23-12) at Philadelphia Phillies (16-15)
Chad Billingsley (5-1, 2.45 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (1-2, 6.17 ERA)
Time: 1:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Weather: Windy, 69
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Twitter: Phillies Nation

Jamie Moyer got waxed by the Dodgers Wednesday night. Here’s hoping Cole Hamels can right the ship. The ace takes on the Dodgers for the first time since game five of the National League Championship Series, recreating that game against that night’s opposing mound-mate.

Hamels is coming off his best start of the season, a 6 IP, 2 ER outing against Atlanta that confirmed his status as club ace. In regular season starts he has a 2.57 ERA against the Dodgers, striking out 12 while walking two.

The Phils will face a Chad Billingsley who they’ve owned in the past — a 4.00 ERA in three career starts. The Phils also hit him very well in the postseason (games two and five, NLCS). Shame Brett Myers isn’t pitching against him. Maybe he can play shortstop?

Here’s an interesting stat: In six May losses, the Phillies have averaged just 2.16 runs per game. In five May wins, they’ve averaged 7.4 runs per game.

Your gameday beer: Purely because Cole Hamels is the best pitcher in baseball with an ERA in the sixes, I’m recommending Sixpoint Sweet Action from the Sixpoint Brewery in New York. This blonde ale is nice on a warmer day such as this, so drink with care, and eat a club sandwich with this. Maybe tuna.

Go Phillies!