Hamels set to take the mound to try and end Phillies’ most recent slide

Last week the Phillies extended their winning streak, thanks to Cole Hamels, to six games last week beginning a 10 game road-trip most notably against NL East foes Washington and New York.

The momentum was left in that Colorado air that Monday night as the Phils went on to lose seven of their next nine.

Hamels continued to audition for Major League playoff contending teams in a possible trade-deadline dealby churning out another strong performance against Stephen Strasburg and the first place Nationals in his most recent outing.

The Phillies ace threw eight innings, giving up only one run and five strikeouts. In his last seven starts, Hamels is 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA.

Philly’s front office look to keep smiling Friday night, as Hamels takes the hill for a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park.

The two teams square off for the second time this season. The first meeting was a four-game series split in which the opener was dominated by Hamels.

The Phils ended their dreary road trip by getting pounded by the Mets on Wednesday by a score of 7-0, almost single-handily off the hands of Noah Syndergaard.

Colorado has won four of its last five, but will throw out itsinconsistent offense against Hamels and the reliable Game 2 starter, Aaron Harang.

The series begins a nine-game home stand for the Phils that later includesvisits from Cincinnati and San Francisco.

The focus, however, remains on the 2008 World Series MVP’s performance, as other teams watch with wide eyes.