If the Phillies are going to win the NL East this year, they have to defeat the Mets and the Marlins. So far, they're just 9-15 against their two NL East foes.

They can take a step in a direction toward correcting that number today when they go for their first series win against either the Mets or Marlins since June 1 this afternoon.

Cole Hamels is taking the mound. As a Phillies fan, you normally like your chances when the ace takes the mound.

But Hamels is 0-1 with a 7.45 ERA in his last two starts. Opponents own a .333 batting average off the lefty during that two-game span.

Hamels has also been prone to giving up the long ball. He's given up 14 home runs in his last 10 starts.

On a warm August afternoon in Citizens Bank Park, Hamels could be in trouble if that trend continues.

It also should be noted that Hamels' 3.83 ERA during day games isn't quite the same as his 3.15 mark at night.

But, heck, as a Phils' fan, you just have to be happy Hamels is healthy. If he pitches into the seventh inning today, he'll surpass 167 1/3 innings.

That's exactly the number of innings Cole logged before last year's month-long DL stint in mid-August.

But Hamels has made it a point to stay off the DL this year.

Now we'll see if he can end a two-game slump and pitch the Phils to a series win...