Phils try to end skid in second test with Rockies

Vance Worley will try to help the Phillies avoid a season- high tying six-game skid when he takes the mound at Coors Field against the Rockies.

The five-time defending National League East champions are 15 games out of first place, have lost 11 of their last 12 games and picked up right where they left off before the All-Star break...with a loss.

Carlos Gonzalez recorded three hits and Christian Friedrich threw six strong innings in Colorado's 6-2 victory in the opener of this three-game series Friday night.

Friedrich (5-6) had suffered a loss in his last five decisions coming into Friday, but held the Phillies to one run on five hits and a walk in six innings en route to the win. He also struck out seven.

"Not only did Christian pitch a very good ball game, but I think we also saw a growth point," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said.

Michael Cuddyer, Jordan Pacheco and Josh Rutledge each stroked a pair of hits as the Rockies won for the third time in four games. Rutledge was making his major league debut and also drove in two runs. He was called up from Tulsa.

Cliff Lee (1-6), who won his first game in his last start before the All-Star break, took the loss after allowing three runs -- two earned -- on nine hits and a walk in six innings.

"I'm not going to make any excuses," remarked Lee. "I'm just going to go out there and try to give the team a chance to win every time."

Jimmy Rollins picked up two hits and drove in a run for the Phillies.

Worley, meanwhile, has struggled to a 1-3 mark over his last seven starts. The right-hander has faced the Rockies twice in his career, going 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA.

Jeremy Guthrie, who hasn't posted a win since May 31 against Houston, counters for Colorado. He's thrown six innings in each of his last two starts after blowing a save opportunity in a June 30 loss to the Padres. The right-hander has dropped his last five decisions.

Guthrie has faced the Phillies twice in his career, including throwing three scoreless relief frames on June 20 this year at Philadelphia.

The Rockies placed first baseman Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list Friday due to right hip inflammation. Colorado also placed catcher Wil Nieves on the 15-day DL with turf toe in his right foot and activated catcher Ramon Hernandez from the 15-day DL.

Philadelphia took two of three meetings earlier this season and have won 14 of the last 18 games between the clubs. The Phillies have not lost a series in Denver since July 6-8, 2007.