Gameday: Phillies (72-57) at Padres (76-52)

Philadelphia Phillies (72-57) at San Diego Padres (76-52)

Cole Hamels (7-10, 3.47 ERA) vs. Clayton Richard (12-5, 3.55 ERA)

Time:4:05 EDT, Petco Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65
TV: MY PHL 17
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The Phillies have rebounded quickly after being swept by the lowly Houston Astros.  Now, the Phillies are on the verge of sweeping the first place San Diego Padres.  This series has been about pitching, as both teams haven’t gathered too many runs.  That’s usually how PETCO plays out anyway.

Cole Hamels, a San Diego native, always has success when facing the Friars.  Hamels has a 3.18 ERA against the Padres in his career, but a more impressive 2.18 ERA at PETCO Park.  Hamels keeps improving as the season progresses, however the problem seems to be run support.  The lack of run support for Hamels is getting extremely tiring.  Hopefully that changes today.

Overall, Clayton Richard has solid numbers for the season.  His repitoire includes a two-seam fastball, a slurve, and a changeup.  He typically keeps the ball down, forcing many ground balls.

Your gameday beer: For the slumber party, try a Coronado Golden, a blonde ale from the Coronado Brewing Co. of San Diego. It’s an average beer, but blonde ales tend to range wildly in the expert line. Pair this with a late-night order of pizza. Do it. — By Tim

GO PHILLIES!