May 25 -- COLE HAMELS FACTS & YOUR LINEUP

HOUSTON -- Not as amusing as these, but nevertheless, a few facts about Cole Hamels to get you set up for today's game:

-Hamels hasn't allowed a run since the fourth inning May 9 against San Francisco, a span of 19 straight innings. During the streak, Hamels has allowed nine hits, walked five and struck out 19 batters. He has the fourth-lowest ERA in the NL at 2.61. Only Cincinnati's Edinson Volquez (1.34), San Francisco's Tim Lincecum (2.17) and Chicago's Carlos Zambrano (2.47) have been better.

-It's the longest scoreless streak by a Phillies pitcher since 2004 when Cory Lidle put up zeroes in 22 straight innings (Aug. 23 through Sept. 9).

-Among Phillies left-handers, it's the longest scoreless streak since Randy Wolf posted goose eggs for 21 straight innings from April 18 to May 6, 2004.

***

Phillies lineup today against Astros RHP Chris Sampson (3-3, 5.91): SS Jimmy Rollins (.330/3/15), CF Shane Victorino (.266/2/9), 2B Chase Utley (.304/14/33), 1B Ryan Howard (.209/14/34), LF Pat Burrell (.276/12/34), RF Geoff Jenkins (.271/2/8), 3B Pedro Feliz (.253/7/21), C Carlos Ruiz (.239/1/14), LHP Cole Hamels (5-3, 2.61)

***

I asked pitching coach Rich Dubee this morning if he agrees with Brett Myers' assessment that hitters aren't offering at good pitches, forcing him to throw the ball over the heart of the plate. Dubee had a different view. "He's not making enough good pitches close enough for them to offer at," he said. Dubee and Myers hope to rectify the problem before Friday night's game against Florida.