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Hamels hopes to get on track in Atlanta

Apr 10, 2011 - 3:12 PM (Sports Network) - Cole Hamels will try to overcome a horrendous start to the season when he pitches the rubber match of a three-game series for the Phillies against the Atlanta Braves.

Hamels gave up seven hits and six runs over 2 2/3 innings in a 7-1 loss to the Mets on Tuesday. Today, though, he'll aim to continue his success against the Braves. The lefty is 9-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 19 career games against the NL East rival.

If the Phillies can bottle up some of the offense they had yesterday, Hamels should be able to pick up his 10th win against the Braves. On Saturday, Carlos Ruiz belted a grand slam off the bench to highlight a five-run seventh inning, as the Phillies downed the Braves, 10-2. Ruiz added an RBI double in his next at-bat to finish with a career-high five RBI.

Philadelphia's other catcher, Brian Schneider, hit a two-run homer before being replaced by the man affectionately known as "Chooch."

Roy Oswalt (2-0) gave up two runs -- one earned -- on five hits over six innings to pick up his first career win over Atlanta. The right-hander had gone 0-3 with a 6.21 ERA in nine previous games (eight starts) against the Braves.

"I didn't think about it when I got on the field," Oswalt said about his history against Atlanta.

Brandon Beachy (0-1) was tagged for four runs on seven hits in six-plus frames for Atlanta, which has dropped four of five.

Getting the call on the mound today for the Braves will be sinkerball specialist Derek Lowe. This will be his third start of the season. The righty threw 5 2/3 shutout innings in a 2-0 win at Washington on Opening Day and then was a hard-luck loser at Milwaukee on Tuesday. In that game, he allowed five hits and a run in six innings. He's 7-4 with a 3.21 ERA in 18 career games (14 starts) vs. Philadelphia.

Philly was 10-8 against the Braves last season, winning five of the final six meetings.