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Howard, Phillies host surging Cubs

May 11, 2007 - 2:16 PM Chicago Cubs (16-16) at Philadelphia (15-19) 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Phillies hope reigning MVP Ryan Howard is ready to hit his stride.

Howard and the Phillies aim for their sixth win in their last seven home games when they face the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

After hitting .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBI last season, much was expected of Howard this campaign as the Phillies were expected to contend for the National League East Division title. However, both Howard and the team have gotten off to slow starts.

Entering the game hitting .198 with five homers and 19 RBI, Howard rescued the Phillies by belting a pinch-hit grand slam in a 9-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Philadelphia looks to keep its momentum going behind Cole Hamels (4-1, 3.59 ERA), who allowed five runs - three earned - and eight hits in seven frames in an 8-5 victory at San Francisco last Sunday.

The Cubs will counter with Rich Hill (4-1, 1.73), who has been Chicago's most reliable pitcher this season. He has allowed just eight runs in 41 2/3 innings this season. The lefthander lost his only start against the Phillies last season on August 21, yielding five runs - two earned - and five hits in six frames in a 6-5 loss at Wrigley Field.

Chicago has won six out of its last eight games but dropped a 6-4 decision to Pittsburgh on Thursday. Derrek Lee extended his hitting streak to 17 games and has reached safely in all 32 games this season.