The Phillies and Dodgers open up the League Championship series round this afternoon in Los Angeles with Cole Hamels facing Clayton Kershaw in a battle of lefties. Hamels was the Phillies hero during the 2008 World Series run, going 4-0 in the playoffs with a 1.80 ERA in five starts. His one start so far in 2009 saw him walk none and strike out five in five innings of work, but allow four runs. While the Phillies in general have pitched better on the road this season, Hamels has not. His stikeout rate is lower away, and his walks increase. He’s pitched extremely well against Los Angelese this season, allowing just one earned and on unearned run in 16 innings of work over two starts, including a shutout on June 4th.

Kershaw is a perfect pitcher to send against the Phillies, since he is the type of starter who should be able to limit the Phillies power. Kershaw made two starts against the Phillies and did not allow a home run in 10 1/3 innings. The Phillies were able to take advantage of Kershaw’s weakness, however, and draw seven walks against him. Combined with eight hits (four of them doubles) Clayton ended up with a 5.23 ERA against Philadelphia and an 0-2 record.

Enjoy!