CarlosRuiz

Kevin McAlpin covers the Phillies for 97.5 The Fanatic.  Follow him on Twitter (@KevinMcAlpin)

It's hard to imagine anything topping last night's wild extra innings walk-off win.  But then again going in to Saturday, it would have been hard to imagine Reds starter Travis Wood tossing a perfect game against the Phils.  Wood nearly accomplished the rare feat until Carlos Ruiz ripped a lead-off double to the gap in left center for the Phillies first hit of the night in the bottom of the ninth.  After the Phillies failed to score in the ninth, many fans began heading for the exits. I've never been one to leave a game early, and for those who have the last few nights, you might think twice next time before you try and "beat the traffic."

This afternoon, the Phillies look to complete the sweep of the Reds, and carry momentum of a four game win streak in to the All-Star Break.  Cole Hamels (6-7, 4.05) is coming off a no decision Tuesday where he allowed three runs on eight hits over seven innings.  In six starts against Cincy, Hamels is a perfect 5-0 with a 1.26 ERA.  Hamels last took the mound against the Reds back on July 6, 2009 and gave up just one run on three hits as the Phillies won 22-1 (no, that's not a typo).  The Reds counter with Matt Maloney (0-1, 4.76)  who will make just his second start of the season.  In his season debut Tuesday, Maloney took the loss as the Mets scored three runs on seven hits over five-and-two-thirds.  Maloney started the season at Triple-A Louisville and was 6-5 with an 3.50 earned run average.  

Historically, the Phillies offense has had it's share of struggles when facing an unfamiliar foe.  They were certainly dazzled by last night's starter Travis Wood.  A Phillies win, combined with a Mets loss would move the Phillies past New York and in to second place heading in to the Break.  As wild as the last three nights have been, I can't wait to see what these two teams have in store for the series finale!  

Injury Updates:  Second base man Placido Polanco will head to Clearwater on Monday to begin a rehab assignment.  Relievers Antonio Bastardo and Chad Durbin both tossed scoreless innings on Saturday, each with a pair of strike outs at Single-A Clearwater.


Phillies Line-Up:  Will be posted once available.