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Dodgers hope to solve Hamels, record first 4-game sweep in Philly

Jun 7, 2012 - 2:38 PM (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies will hope that Cole Hamels can rebound from just his second loss of the season this afternoon and help his club salvage the finale of a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hamels suffered his first setback since April 9 -- his first start of the year -- and second this season to the Marlins on Saturday after giving up a season-high five runs on seven hits and two walks. The left-hander struck out eight, but was tagged for two home runs by Hanley Ramirez over 6 2/3 innings.

Hamels had won five straight starts and eight decisions in a row prior to the loss, while his earned run average moved to 2.81 through 11 outings. He is tied for the major league lead with eight victories on the season.

The 28-year-old stands a good chance of rebounding today as he is 3-0 with a 1.18 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers, who counter with veteran Aaron Harang.

The 34-year-old has won three of his past four decisions, including an outing on Saturday in Colorado that snapped his team's five-game losing streak. Harang only gave up one run on four hits and three walks over six innings, fanning six while allowing one earned run or less for the fourth time in his past five outings.

Harang moved to 4-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 11 starts this season and the right- hander holds career numbers of 3-2 with a 5.29 ERA in 12 career meetings with the Phillies, 11 of those starts.

The Dodgers will look to Harang to try and pitch them to their first ever four-game sweep in Philadelphia following their third straight one-run victory in this series. That came on Wednesday in the form of a 6-5 decision thanks to a two-run, go-ahead single by Dee Gordon in the sixth inning.

Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick loaded the bases in the inning and walked Raul Valdes to force in a run before allowing Gordon's hit. It came a half-inning after Jimmy Rollins had put the Phillies ahead with a two-run homer.

"They took back the momentum for a bit there. If we don't score it keeps the momentum on their side. We were able to jump back in it and hold on," said LA manager Don Mattingly.

Tony Gwynn Jr. had an RBI triple and scored twice for the Dodgers, who have won four of five and maintained a four-game lead over the Giants for first place in the National League West. Chris Capuano earned his eighth win of the season despite giving up four runs over just five innings.

Shane Victorino and Ty Wigginton added solo homers, but Philadelphia's losing stretch still reached a season-high five games in a row.

"It's kind of bad right now," said Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel. "We have to come right back out and play tomorrow. We have to show up and try to win a game."

One player who won't be able to help is rookie infielder Freddy Galvis, who suffered a lower back injury while swinging the bat in Wednesday's game. He was forced to exit early and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The Phillies sit last in the NL East, six games out of first place.