Phillies Look To Avoid Sweep This Afternoon In LA

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It has been a rough couple of games so far for the Phillies in Los Angeles.

They have been outscored by the Dodgers 18-7 in two losses as they look to avoid a sweep this afternoon. Los Angeles won last night 9-3 as Vince Velasquez allowed all nine runs in 4 1/3 innings of work.

Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson will start on the mound for the Phillies. He is 9-7 with a 3.72 ERA. He beat San Diego in his last start, allowing three runs in 6 2/3 innings. In his last four starts, Hellickson is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA.

Los Angeles will counter with veteran left-hander Scott Kazmir today. He is 9-5 with a 4.51 earned run average.

The Phillies are 52-63 heading into today's game. The Dodgers are now tied for first in the National League West with a record of 64-49.

KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal about the Phils and this series finale.