The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t given oddsmakers much confidence in the first few weeks, but finally seem to be back on track. Favored to win the NL all along in Bovada’s National League Futures, the Phillies now own baseball’s longest winning streak at five games, and try to make it six at home against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.
Cole Hamels makes his second start since a five-game suspension for throwing at Bryce Harper. He was brilliant last week, giving up just one hit in seven innings in a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres.
“I know if I just go out there and I battle and try to pitch deep into the ball game and we put up some runs, then I can get wins,” Hamels said. “If we’re able to score early then I just have to work off that. There’s been a few times where we scored late. I think it’s helpful just being able to go out there and know that your team is going to come through at the end.”
Hamels has been curiously good against the Red Sox, going 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four starts, which is the third-best of any starter since 1921 with at least four starts against the Sox. Facing other AL opponents? Hamels is 2-10.
Philadelphia won it’s fifth-straight last night, beating the Chicago Cubs 8-7 in a nine-inning marathon. Carlos Ruiz led the team with four hits and three RBI, while Jimmy Rollins chipped in another two hits.
Boston is in the middle of it’s own rebound, winning six of seven to get back to 18-20. Both clubs have the best records among teams in last place in their division.
Cody Ross homered for the seventh time this season in a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays last night, and has hit four bombs off Hamels.
The Phillies are favored by 1 1/2 runs, according to Bovada’s Red Sox vs. Phillies Betting Lines, with a -150 moneyline.
If they do have the lead late, look out for Philadelphia closer Jonathan Papelbon, who defected this offseason after six seasons with the Red Sox. He holds Boston’s saves record at 219 before signing a four-year, $50 million contract with the Phillies. He’s converted 11 of 11 opportunities so far.