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Hamels, Phillies will look for more run support

Jun 5, 2008 - 12:48 PM Cincinnati (29-31) at Philadelphia (35-26), 1:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Cole Hamels will take the mound as the Philadelphia Phillies look to bounce back from an awful offensive showing when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday in the finale of a four-game series.

Seeking a fourth straight win Wednesday, Phillies' pitching did not allow a hit until the seventh frame and then relinquished just three hits. But it was enough for the Reds, who allowed just two hits and recorded a 2-0 victory.

Ryan Howard and Geoff Jenkins both singled in the fourth inning but Philadelphia could not manage anything after that as Cincinnati scored on its first hit of the game - Joey Votto's RBI double in the seventh.

Hamels (5-4, 3.73 ERA), the Phillies' ace, will be looking for some run support as the 24-year-old lefthander hopes to notch his first win since a complete-game shutout on May 15.

Hamels was roughed up in his last outing, surrendering seven runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings during Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Florida Marlins. It was Hamel's first loss since April 23.

He will be opposed by rookie Homer Bailey, who is making his first start of the season. The 22-year-old went 4-2 with a 5.76 ERA and 28 strikeouts in nine starts last season.

Rookie Jay Bruce finally had tough night at the plate for the Reds as he went 0-for-4. Bruce is batting .485. with three home runs and seven RBI in nine games this season.