Atlanta Braves +145 (Jurrjens) @ Philadelphia Phillies -165 (Hamels); Total 8.

This is the series (and the time of the year) that the Philadelphia Phillies have been waiting for. Just a few weeks ago, the Phils looked to this series on their calendar as the one that mattered most. This seemed to be the series that would make or break the season for the Phillies, but that is not exactly how it has worked out. No question this is the biggest series of the year for each of these teams, but I just dont think that either expected to be on this side of things.
This game, however, is probably the most important for both teams. If the Braves can find a way to do what no other team has been able to do at all since the all-star break, get to Cole Hamels, then they will cut the lead to 2 games in the East and avoid being all but shut out of the division race. On the flip side, if the Phils can beat Jurrjens, the same result he has suffered in each of his last two outings, they would take a commanding lead and add on the necessary confidence to all but bury the Bravos and win the series, stretching the lead and eliminating the importance of the final series of the season.
Cole Hamels (17-12, 3.01) is absolutely on fire. He gets the start in this all-important series opener at home. In his last four outings, Hamels has allowed one earned run. He gave up a first inning run against the Marlins in his last start which ended a 25+ consecutive scoreless streak. Cole Hamels has a sub 2 ERA since the all-star break which is 2nd in the majors to only King Felix in Seattle. This is the Hamels of ’08 and he is just the first piece of three amazing starters for the Phils that the Braves will have the pleasure of facing in this important, make-or-break series set.
Jurrjens (12-8, 4.64) will get the start for the Braves and look to shut down the Phils’ smokin’ hot bats, at least a little bit. He hasn’t had much success of late, lasting only 5 innings in his last start at home against the pesky Nationals, and only 3.2 in his start before that at home against the Cardinals, allowing a combined 11 earned runs on 19 hits, while striking out on 5. Perhaps another road start is just what Jurrjens needs to get back on track, but one thing is for sure, he knows what is riding on this one. Hopefully for Braves fans, this stage isn’t too big for the youngster, who finds himself in the closest thing resembling a playoff setting of his young career.
Best of luck to you, youngster, shutting down the team with the best batting average in the month of September, a team that is 14-3 when it matters most, at team that is finding a way to win no matter the situation. Jurrjens did get a QS (3ER in 6IP) in his last outing against the Phils, but he did walk 3. I don’t think that is going to be good enough to beat Hamels in Philadelphia.
The Braves need his best, because they HAVE TO win this game.
Too bad they wont. The Phils are too good, the pitching is too stacked, and Cole Hamels is arguably the best starter on this stacked Philadelphia staff. The Phils know what a win in this game means, and they will look to bury the Braves.
Phils on the Money Line today.