Phillies Look To Sink Fish
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies and Marlins appear to be two teams heading in opposite directions.
Philadelphia won for the sixth time in eight games on Sunday, becoming the first team in the major leagues to 40 wins this season. Meanwhile, struggling Florida dropped its tenth contest in eleven tries.
The first-place Phillies opened a seven game lead over the Marlins in the National League East heading into Monday -- and they're set begin a four game series at home against Florida on Tuesday night with a chance to put the fish in the rearview mirror.
Cole Hamels is scheduled to start for the Phillies in the opener. Hamels has arguably been the team's best pitcher this season, going 8-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 13 starts. He pitched against the Marlins in mid-April, allowing just two earned runs, but settled for a no-decision in the Phils 3-2 win.
The teams will play a day-night double-header on Wednesday -- starting with a makeup contest for a game that was postponed by rain on April 16.
Kyle Kendrick and Roy Halladay are slated to take the mound for the Phillies in the twin-billing.
Halladay pitched eight strong innings against the Marlins back in May, but received very little help from his teammates, and was ultimately handed a tough 2-1 loss.
Cliff Lee will take the hill for the Phillies in Thursday's finale. Lee has won four of his last five starts. He pitched to a no-decision the last time the two teams met on May 11, in Florida, where he gave up three runs in six innings.
As a team, the Phillies have won three of five from the Marlins this season.
Florida could get a boost from Hanley Ramirez. Barring any setbacks, the Marlins shortstop is expected to return from injury on Tuesday.
Reported by Dan Majka, CBS Philly
