to San Francisco for Game 3. With the series tied 1-1, Cole Hamels will take the mound against Matt Cain in another outstanding pitching matchup. The Phillies will look to take the series lead in a ballpark in which they have notoriously struggled. Since 2007 the Phils have posted 5-8 record in San Francisco.
Speaking of struggles, Cole Hamels has not faired well in his career against the Giants. In 8 career starts against San Francisco, Hamels is 4-2 with a 4.67 ERA. However, in 4 starts at AT&T Park Hamels has posted a 6.12 ERA and 1.76 WHIP and has never allowed less than 4 runs in an appearance. Additionally, Hamels career ERA in day games is over a full run higher than his ERA in night games (4.27 vs. 3.20). Back on April 28th, Hamels allowed 4 runs on 9 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 10 in a 7-6 victory at AT&T Park. However his 113 pitch effort over 6 innings came early in the season well before he hit his groove.
Of course the player Hamels has allowed more home runs to in his career than anyone else is in the Giants lineup. The one and only Cody Ross has 4 homers off of Hamels in 30
career at-bats. If Hamels is able to stay away from the inner half against Ross, he should have success. The rest of the Giants lineup has done very little in the first two games. Bruce Bochy may consider benching Andres Torres in favor of former Phillie Aaron Rowand. Torres is 1/9 with 6 strikeouts so far in the series. SS Juan Uribe is also questionable for Game 3 due to a wrist injury he suffered sliding into 2nd base during Game 1. If he can’t go, veteran Edgar Renteria will get the start for the second straight game.
The good news for the Phillies is that they have had tremendous success against Giants righty Matt Cain over the years. In 5 career starts against the Phillies, Cain is 0-3 with a 6.23 ERA. Back on August 18th, Cain allowed 5 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits over 6 innings in an 8-2 Phillies victory. However, Cain has faired well at home this season posting an 8-4 record with a 2.93 ERA.
Philadelphia’s offense continues to struggle. Jimmy Rollins bases clearing double in the 7th inning of Game 2 snapped an 0/18 streak with runners in scoring position. Although the team is still hitting just .221 for the postseason, there have been signs of encouragement. Ryan Howard had three outstanding at-bats in Game 2 against Jonathan Sanchez and Rollins had his first multi-hit performance since September 8th.
In this crucial Game 3 matchup, the Phillies will need Hamels to follow up his brilliant 5 hit shutout in the NLDS with another great pitching performance. Additionally, Philadelphia’s offense will need to continue to show signs of life in a park they have struggled at over the past several years. It should be yet another low scoring affair but if the Phillies are able to jump on Cain early, they will have a great chance at regaining home field advantage.
It should be another great matchup with first pitch scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 4:19pm EST on Fox.
I think the Giants pull this one out and will win at least two games at home.
I think the Giants pull this one out and will win at least two games at home.