Phillies Preview: NLDS Game Two

National League Division Series - Game Two

Colorado Rockies (0-1) v. Philadelphia Phillies (1-0)
Thursday October 8, 2009 - 2:37pm ET

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

69° F - Sunny

Aaron Cook, RHP (11-6, 4.16) v. Cole Hamels, LHP (10-11, 4.32)

After an exciting game one of the National League Division Series, the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies will face off one day later in game two. The second game, which will also be played in Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, features another pair of solid pitchers. Aaron Cook, the effective righty for the Rockies will be opposed by Cole Hamels, the Phillies' star lefty. With lots of sun in the forecast, shadows could play a role in this game and make things very difficult for hitters in the middle innings. The Phillies hope to again have a home field advantage in this game.

Starting Pitcher: Aaron Cook

Aaron Cook was one of the Rockies' most consistent starters over the last several years. This season, he was supplanted as the ace of their staff, but is still a very solid starter. The 30-year old recently returned to the Rockies after missing over a month with a strained shoulder. However, Cook only logged 158.0 innings this year so he should be fresh for this start. The righty pitches to contact, featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup. Cook also mixes in a few other show-me pitches to keep hitters off balance and induces 56.7% ground balls.

Cook started two games against the Phillies this season, and the Rockies lost both outings, with Cook taking the loss in his start in Philly. In those 11.0 innings pitched against the Phillies, he had a 4.91 ERA and only struck out two batters. Lifetime against Philadelphia hitters, Cook has not fared much better, allowing a .310 batting average against in 167 lifetime plate appearances. Chase Utley has really worn out the righty, hitting .381 with 11 RBI against him in his career. Still, in two starts since his return from the disabled list, Cook has been lights out with a 0.69 ERA in 13.0 innings pitched, so he will be a challenge.

Starting Pitcher: Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels was a star for the Phillies last season in the postseason, taking home the NLCS and World Series MVP Awards. The 2009 season has not been as kind to Hamels, who struggled with consistency all year long. Hamels threw 193.2 innings this year and won only 10 games, but can still be dominant. He is a fastball-changeup type pitcher, but has improved his curveball as a solid third pitch as well. The name of the game for the south paw is always to keep his pitch count down as much as possible.

In one start against the Rockies this season, Hamels was roughed up in a very short outing. The start took place early in the season in Colorado, but is still not a good omen for the Phillies. Nevertheless, the 25-year old is known as a clutch performer that steps up in the spotlight, and the Phillies will be hoping for just such a start out of their ace. Lifetime against the Rockies' hitters, he has allowed a very high .424 batting average in 37 plate appearances. Garrett Atkins has done especially well, with a .667 average and a homer off of Hamels. But Hamels is 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA in six postseason starts for his career.

Starting Lineup: Colorado Rockies

Statistics versus Cole Hamels
1. Carlos Gonzalez, LF (0/0 BA, 0 HR, 0 K)
2. Dexter Fowler, CF (1/3, 0 HR, 3 K)

3. Todd Helton, 1B (1/3, 0 HR, 0 K)
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS (1/2, 0 HR, 0 K)
5. Garrett Atkins, 3B (2/3, 1 HR, 0 K)
6. Yorvit Torrealba, C (0/0, 0 HR, 0 K)
7. Ryan Spilborghs, RF (2/3, 0 HR, 0 K)
8. Clint Barmes, 2B (2/2, 0 HR, 0 K)

Starting Lineup: Philadelphia Phillies

Statistics versus Aaron Cook

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS (11/29, 0 HR, 3 K)
2. Shane Victorino, CF (1/12, 0 HR, 0 K)
3. Chase Utley, 2B (8/21, 1 HR, 1 K)
4. Ryan Howard, 1B (6/17, 1 HR, 2 K)
5. Jayson Werth, RF (4/10, 0 HR, 1 K)
6. Raul Ibanez, LF (2/5, 0 HR, 0 K)
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B (7/30, 0 HR, 3 K)
8. Carlos Ruiz, C (0/0, 0 HR, 0 K)

Phillies NLDS Previews
Overview, Rotations, Bullpens, Hitters, Benches
Game Previews: One, Two, Three, Four
Game Recaps: One, Two, Three, Four