Hamels Looks to Continue His June Success Against First Place Braves

The Phillies (29-38) look to move forward as they send southpaw Cole Hamels against the first place Braves (36-32) in Atlanta. Yesterday was a tough pill to swallow, as the Phillies dropped their first series to the Cubs since 2001, being shutout for the ninth time this season and seventh time at home. A.J. Burnett had a decent startm, allowing three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and no walks in eight innings. However, the Phils' lackluster offense only managed a lowly three hits in eight innings off of game-winner Travis Wood, which ultimately led to their loss. The Phillies look to put that Cubs series behind them as Cole Hamels takes the mound in what looks to be the makings of a pitchers' duel.

Cole Hamels (2-3, 3.07) will oppose right-hander Braves' Julio Teheran (6-4, 2.41). Currently Hamels has a stunning June record, tossing a 0.40 ERA in three starts. In his last start, he threw eight shutout innings in a no decision against the Dodgers. Life time against the Braves, Cole Hamels is 14-8 in 31 appearances with a 3.54 ERA. Unfortunately for Hamels and the lackluster offensive Phils, the edge may go to Julio Terheran, who 's been one of the top National League pitchers this season.

Terheran's ERA of 2.41 sits fourth in the National League, as opposing teams have been hitting .209 against him. Terheran, in his one game against the Phillies earlier this season, tossed nine innings of shutout baseball allowing only three hits and striking out four. Perhaps the Phillies may be able to capitalize on a bit of unease from Terheran, since in his last start he allowed seven earned runs in Colorado against the Rockies. However, don't look for that Colorado blunder to phase him, since he'll be pitching in the comfort of home, where he currently holds 1.24 ERA. Alas, the outlook doesn't look good for the Fightin' Phils offense to score many or any runs, but keep in mind, this is baseball…where anything can happen.

Game Notes

• Tonight's game marks the starting point for the Phils of a 32 out of 35 game stretch where the opposing teams are at or above .500. This stretch includes the NLE rivals Atanta, Miami, and Washington, so if the Phillies are looking to climb out of last place, the time is now. 
• Cole Hamels has been a red hot on the road this season, sporting an ERA of 1.95 as opposing teams bat .233 against him. 
• With the passing of baseball legend Tony Gwynn Sr, Tony Gwynn Jr has been placed on bereavement. Outfielder Aaron Altherr has been recalled from the Reading Fightin Phils. 

Phillies Lineup

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Reid Brignac 3B
9. Cole Hamels P

Braves Lineup

1. Jason Heyward RF
2. B.J. Upton CF
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Evan Gattis C
5. Justin Upton LF
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Tommy La Stella 2B
8. Andrelton Simmons SS
9. Julio Teheran P

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
Weather: 85°F –Light Rain–81% PoP
Game Time: 7:10 PM Eastern

Jesse Aaron Barnhart is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com