San Diego @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 24, 2011 ) Philadelphia 3, San Diego 1
THE STORY: The San Diego Padres traditionally have been a welcome sight for Cole Hamels - for many reasons. First, the San Diego native has enjoyed success pitching against his hometown team, posting a 5-2 mark which includes one victory already this season. Secondly, the Padres have dropped seven straight against the Phillies. We'll see if Hamels is still happy to see the Padres after Friday's series opener at Citizens Bank Park. San Diego ignited a rare power surge in a three-game sweep of the Florida Marlins, while Philadelphia has taken two of three from its last eight foes.
TV: 7:05 p.m., CSN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Cory Luebke (3-3, 2.57 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (11-5, 2.71 ERA)
Luebke has been downright stingy since moving into the starter's role. The 26-year-old Ohio native has permitted just four runs in as many outings - winning two of three while striking out 26 to boot. Luebke allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings as the Padres pounded the San Francisco Giants in an 11-3 rout on Saturday. He made two career relief appearances against Philadelphia, but Friday's start will be his first versus the Phillies.
Hamels saw his two-game winning streak come to an end with a dud against the New York Mets on Saturday. The 2008 World Series MVP permitted seven runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in the 11-2 loss. Hamels tossed a gem against the Padres on April 22. He tossed eight scoreless innings in a 2-0 triumph in San Diego.
ABOUT THE PADRES (44-55): The light-hitting Padres scored 23 runs in their three-game sweep of the Florida Marlins. Cameron Maybin went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and now has hit safely in seven straight games. An eighth straight game is possible, considering he has three doubles and five hits overall in 16 career at-bats versus Hamels. Second baseman Orlando Hudson suffered a nasty fall while chasing down a foul ball. He went head-first into the side wall and was briefly knocked unconscious. Hudson was able to raise his thumb skyward as he was carted off the field.
ABOUT THE PHILLIES (61-36): A familiar face may make an appearance on Friday for the Phillies. Closer Brad Lidge tossed a scoreless inning on Wednesday during his latest minor-league rehab appearance at Class A Lakewood. Lidge, who has been sidelined all season with an elbow injury, will likely be eased into a late-inning role. Antonio Bastardo has collected five straight saves while picking up the role following an injury to Ryan Madson, who has since returned. Jimmy Rollins is 11-for-23 during his five-game hitting streak. All told, he has hit safely in 12 of his last 14 contests. Ryan Howard has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 2-for-22 (.091). Howard is 1-for-2 with a pair of RBIs against Luebke.
FINAL PITCH: It's going to be another hot one. According to weather.com, temperatures in South Philadelphia may reach 102 on Friday - with a heat index of 115.