Philadelphia @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 16, 2010 ) Philadelphia 3, Chi. Cubs 4
Aramis Ramirez has had quite a series - and he's still got two more games to play.
Ramirez belted a solo home run to snap a tie game in the eighth inning as the Chicago Cubs posted a 4-3 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday afternoon.
The 32-year-old Ramirez had three hits and drove in as many runs in the matinee. The production comes on the heels of his impressive performance on Thursday, when he recorded a pair of two-run doubles in Chicago's 12-6 victory over Philadelphia.
With five homers and 14 RBIs in his last eight contests, Ramirez will look to guide the Cubs (41-50) to their third straight victory on Saturday when they face the Phillies (47-42) in the third of a four-game set at Wrigley Field.
Ramirez isn't the only one who is heating up with the weather.
Philadelphia's All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard belted his third two-run homer in two days and Shane Victorino added his career-high 15th homer of the season in Friday's loss.
The Phillies' leader with 20 home runs, Howard also blasted a pair of two-run shots during Thursday's setback.
Keeping Howard and Ramirez under wraps is the responsibility of Chicago right-hander Randy Wells (4-7, 4.61 ERA) and Philadelphia southpaw Cole Hamels (7-7, 3.78 ERA), respectively.
Wells has pitched well in his last three outings, but only has one win to show for it. The 27-year-old Illinois native permitted three runs and six hits in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 8.
Wells will be making his first career start against the Phillies.
Hamels can echo the three-game, one-win sentiment - although he notched the victory his last outing. The 26-year-old Hamels tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.
The left-hander does own a 3-1 mark with a 2.61 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs.
Philadelphia may also receive a boost in the form of third baseman Placido Polanco, who may be activated prior to Saturday's contest. Polanco, who is batting .318, has been sidelined since June 25 with a sore left elbow.
The Phillies could use Polanco's bat back in the lineup. The team has struck out 25 times in two games against the Cubs.