CARDINALS AT PHILADELPHIA
SCOUTING REPORT • St. Louisan Ryan Howard’s 12th home run on Thursday enabled the Phillies to end a nine-game losing streak, their longest in 16 years. Still, the faltering Phils have dropped 22 of their last 28.
Lefthander Cole Hamels, the Phils’ ace, has been scratched from Friday night’s start with a mild hamstring strain but the conspiracy theorists suspect a trade may be on the horizon.
The Phils’ recent plight probably was best exemplified on Tuesday night in the midst of outfielder Jeff Francouer pitching the last two innings of a 19-3 loss to Baltimore.