NL Beast

The Game: San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Matchup: Patrick Misch (0-0, 5.40, 8/3 K/BB, 1.30 WHIP) vs. Cole Hamels (3-3, 3.10, 41/14 K/BB, 1.07 WHIP)

The Story: The Phillies look to get back to their winning ways in San Francisco after splitting a four game set in Arizona. The series starts off with stud Cole Hamels, looking for his fourth win of the season, facing off against Patrick Misch, who is appearing in only his third game this season.  In one previous start a week ago, also against the Phillies, Misch lasted only four innnings, allowing 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 2 walks, 2 home runs, and struck out 4.  Misch has let up 4 home runs on the season in only 10 IP.

The big news of the is Jimmy Rollins back with the team for the first time since April 20.  Rollins is listed as the lead off man in tonight’s lineup, and no one is trying to hide the Phils’ sigh of relief that their MVP is back.  The offense hasn’t stalled, but it has certainly cooled off in the last week.  Rollins’ speed, coupled with that of Shane Victorino, who is also just back from injury, are essential to the functioning of the lineup.  In addition, it sends utility man Eric Bruntlett back to the bench.  Bruntlett is hitting .303 in the month of May and will add depth to an already strong bench.  Australian infielder Brad Harman has been sent back to Lehigh Valley to make room for Rollins.

Stat of the Day: Former Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand is hitting .336 in his first season with San Francisco.

Lineups:
Phillies
Rollins (SS)
Victorino (CF)
Utley (2B)
Howard (1B)
Burrell (LF)
Werth (CF)
Feliz (3B)
Ruiz (C)
Hamels (P)

Giants
Lewis (LF)
Castillo (3B)
Winn (RF)
Molina (C)
Rowand (CF)
Aurilia (1B)
Velez (2B)
Burriss (SS)
Misch (P)