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RHP McGowan looks to lead Blue Jays to fourth straight win

May 18, 2007 - 1:47 PM Toronto (18-22) at Philadelphia (18-20) 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Toronto Blue Jays bring their three-game winning streak to the table when they open a weekend interleague series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

In sweeping a three-game series from Baltimore, Toronto allowed just five runs.

Taking the mound in this one is Dustin McGowan (0-0, 7.59 ERA), who goes in search of his first win of the season. In two starts, the righthander has surrendered nine runs in 10 2/3 innings with six walks.

The 25-year-old joined the rotation from the minors when Gustavo Chacin went on the disabled list with a sore shoulder on May 1.

McGowan will be facing Philadelphia for the first time. "Going up against unfamiliar teams," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "You can scout them all you want, but it's still tough."

The Phillies will send Jon Lieber (1-2, 2.83) to the hill as he tries to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Despite dropping back-to-back outings, Lieber only gave up one earn run in eight innings in his last start.

The righthander is 13-10 over 27 interleague appearances, but has a 1-0 mark with a 3.13 ERA in three lifetime outings against Toronto.