Hamels Gets 1st Win In 10-6 Rout
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 08, 2009 09:46 PM | Comments: 11
2009 Recaps, Posts
Cole Hamels looked fantastic, securing his first win of the 2009 season as the Phils beat the Braves, 10-6.
First, Hamels’ line: 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 7 K, 2 BB. He was good. His fastball was strong. His changeup was close to unhittable. He was poised, he was assured. Sixty-four of the 95 pitches he threw went over for strikes, and he only got in some trouble in the fourth inning, giving up a two-run single to Phillie-killer Brian McCann.
The Phillies supported Hamels well, too. Two runs scored on a horrible throw by Jo-Jo Reyes, and two more scored on a double by Jimmy Rollins, capping off a four-run second inning. Jayson Werth, Chris Coste and Chase Utley added home runs to give the Phils an 8-2 lead when Hamels exited.
Though the Braves scored three off Brad Lidge in the typical “no pressure means I’ll give up some runs” situation, it was a blowout. Pedro Feliz and Greg Dobbs added RBI hits to close home scoring.
Posts: 0 Al in Seattle
Nice win for the Phils. Hamels is back (happy days are here again). Should we be concerned about that HR Lidge gave up?
Posted: 10:25 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 0 Jim
I’m not too concerned with Lidge. One, I guess he just “takes it easy” with non-save situations (not that I condone that), and two, he seems to have a hard time throwing to Coste. I don’t know if it’s coincidence or if Coste is calling the game wrong or if Lidge is hesitant to throw his slider to him or what, but we see a lot of fastballs from him when Coste is catching.
Posted: 10:36 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
When Lidge started to throw the slider, he got people out. I think he didn’t throw a single slider (all fastballs) until after the home run.
Posted: 10:38 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 0 John Russo
I didn’t get a chance to watch because I was working but the numbers look solid. I’m not worried about Hamels at all. And I agree with Jim. I’m not worried with Lidge either and I am not a fan of Coste’s game-calling abilities. Ruiz is much better in that field.
Posted: 10:55 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 0 Bruce
Tim, I’m sure Lidge was totally focused on NOT giving up any runs especially in CBP against a team capable of big innings.
However, one might be concern with Lidge as his ERA rose over 8 and has now allowed five homers in 11 2-3 innings. He gave up just two last year when he was 48-for-48 in save chances, including the postseason.
Coste did a fine job with Hamels and had reminded Lidge to throw more sliders after being hit hard on fastballs. Coste not only was good behind the plate but also productive with the bat as well.. a HR and two walks.
Very encouraging to see Hamels finally back with a quality start. This means so much in stabilizing the rotation and giving a lift to the other starters.
Posted: 11:05 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 0 Ryk
Big and necessary win to stay at the top of the NL East heap. Hamels looked sharp and if the hits he allowed were a bit more spread out, he would have left the Braves with a goose-egg in the runs column. Not concerned quite yet about Lidge and the longball, especially in this kind of situation, but he needs to be monitored just in case. Get his head back in focus before he breaks out in a full-blown case of the yips.
Posted: 11:21 PM on May 8, 2009
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
I’m not concerned whatsoever about Lidge at this point.
Posted: 12:14 AM on May 9, 2009
Posts: 0 mikemike
Tim did I see something different or what. Lidge look like he was out there just trying to get some work, Then he gives up the Homer and Bad he just look like the old lidge after that.
Posted: 08:53 AM on May 9, 2009
Posts: 0 gabriel
i don’t care if lidgey gives up 30 HR’s this year… as long as the phils get W’s then i’m happy… i don’t think he should’ve been in there at all, give the mop up stuff to one the long relievers and let lightsout longtoss after the game to keep the arm loose… i know these guys need game experience but there was no need for lidge last night… closers are rare breeds and their mental makeup is a lot different from even the setup guy, i think they should only go into games if they are close, not up 6 runs…
Posted: 10:06 AM on May 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Brett
Lidge was only in to get some work and take some of the load of of everyone else.
Posted: 01:05 PM on May 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Doug D.
Cole was almost unhittable last night, with his fastball hitting 93 on a regular basis and that nasty change-up. it didn’t matter where in the strike zone he pitched — inside, outside, down or up — he was hitting all four corners of the strike zone. Hopefully, his arrival will take a lot of pressure of the rest of the starters…Before Lidge gave up the 3-run tater, the bullpen ERA was the 2nd best in the NL. After a very slow start, they have improved quite well as a unit…I’m not worried about Lidge at all. Closers always have problems in non-save situations. It’s an adrenaline thing. He was getting in some work last night, which included his fastball. So he gave up 3 meaningless runs. Big deal…Werthwhile has been feasting lately on balls down in the strike zone. Those are to his liking because he can extend his arms. (I’ll spare everyone a physics discussion about centrifugal force.) On the other hand, ne needs to lay off the high ones…It’s great to see J-Roll hitting line drives again.
Posted: 01:39 PM on May 9, 2009