Friday MLB: Philadelphia Phillies (49-38) at Florida Marlins (46-45)
The Philadelphia Phillies opened the second half of the season just as they finished the first: With a win.
Thursday’s 4-0 victory over Florida was Philly’s sixth in a row and extended their lead in the NL East to five games. The Phillies enjoy the longest current winning streak in the majors, and they’ve won 10 of their past 11 games. They also are 5-2 against the Marlins this year and 4-0 in Miami.
Ryan Howard made history on Thursday night with his 23rd homer of the season in the sixth inning. It was No. 200 of his career in just 658 games, fewer than any player in major league history. Ralph Kiner, previously the fastest player to reach 200 home runs, did it in 706 games.
Raul Ibanez had two homers for Philadelphia and has hit safely in 16 straight road games, batting .319 with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs in that span.
The Phils turn to ace Cole Hamels (5-5, 4.87) to keep the streak going tonight. The 2008 World Series MVP is just 1-3 with a 5.53 ERA in his last seven starts. Philadelphia has lost Hamels’ last five starts against the Marlins, with the left-hander going 0-3 with a 4.76 ERA. Concerned about the innings toll on his arm, the Phillies decided to give Hamels an extra day of rest out of the All-Star break.
Philadelphia has opened as a -120 money line favorite on WagerWeb.com.
Meanwhile, Florida turns to Ricky Nolasco (6-7, 5.76). He has won his past three home starts. Since returning from a minor-league stint after Nolasco had struggled for a while, he is 4-2 with a 2.68 ERA in seven starts. He’s 4-3 with a 4.25 ERA in his career against the Phillies.
Howard has three hits — all homers — in 13 at-bats against Nolasco. But the Phillies are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
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