July 31, 2008

Can Lohse Keep up his Outstanding Season?
MLB Match-Up Friday - Cardinals and Phillies match-up, fighting for playoff lives
by T.J. Kendrick
Philadelphia Philles at St. Louis Cardinals - Friday, August 1 at 8:15 p.m. ET
Philadelphia and St. Louis are both fighting for their playoff lives. Either team could win their respective division, though both might be in direct competition for the Wild Card down the stretch. That makes this a very important series.
Philadelphia snuffed out a three-game losing streak with four straight wins. Offense was the name of the game, as Philly exploded for 32 runs over that run. Chase Utley is already having a fantastic season, mashing 27 homers and 75 RBIs, and it looks like he’s ready to add to those totals in a big way.
Utley gone deep in two straight games and has put together a few impressive home run streaks already this season. This could be part of a longer stretch.
Cole Hamels (9-6) will get the call for Philadelphia. He’ll be looking to redeem himself after a poor showing in a 10-9 loss to the Braves in his last start (giving up six hits, nine runs—though just four were earned—in 3.2 innings of work).
The lefty has been mostly great this season, however, posting a 3.27 ERA. He’s traditionally pitched well against St. Louis. He gave up two runs over seven innings earlier this season, adding to career totals of 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA in five starts.


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