NLDS Gameday: Rockies at Phillies, Game 2
Phillies lead series 1-0
Aaron Cook, RHP (0-0) vs. Cole Hamels, LHP (0-0)
Time: 2:37 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 65
TV: TBS
Twitter: Phillies Nation
Less than 24 hours after a complete game dazzler from Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and the Phillies will take to the field looking for a 2-0 series lead. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe Lee’s outing on Tuesday, but you know how it went. Save the ninth, it was everything the Phillies hoped for, and more.
Hamels will attempt to match that start in a game where the winds should not be a factor. After a shaky regular season, this is the time of year Hamels has been known to dominate; his track record speaks for itself. Last season, Hamels blew through the Brewers, Dodgers, and Rays to capture the World Series MVP award, plus all of the fame that comes with it. Now one of the most recognizable Phillies, Hamels needs to rekindle that 2008 showing and step one is beating the Rockies to make this a lopsided series.
Aaron Cook opposes Hamels, in what will be just his second career postseason start. He previously pitched against the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 World Series, were he tossed six innings, allowing just three earned in a hard luck loss. Cook spent the early part of this season on the DL, but came back to post a decent stat line: 11-6, 4.16 ERA, 175 hits, 158 innings. His mediocre WHIP (1.405) means he will allow base runners, so look for the Phils to capitalize today.
Yesterday, every starter in the Phillies order had at least one hit, Lee included. That offensive balance, paired with the outstanding pitching performance made for an awesome Game 1. Today, look for the bats to stay hot, as Cook has struggled mightily against the Phils. He’s just 1-5 lifetime with an ERA pushing six. In 21 at-bats against Cook, Chase Utley is hitting .381 with a HR and an amazing 11 RBI.
Today’s Lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (LF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Hamels (P).
Today’s beer selection is of course in honor of the Phillies flashy starting pitcher. This Blonde beer is a good introduction to the category as its taste is not overpowering. It has a faint citrus flavor with hints of flowers and grass…a real hippie taste from this California Brewery (Great Bear Company). Enjoy it with a pulled pork sandwich topped with some Cole slaw. – By Brian
GO PHILLIES!
