Hamels Cruises To 10th Victory

Cole Hamels gave the Phillies just what they needed — a well-pitched, tight, economic win. The Phils took it 2-1 from the Padres, taking the series by that score. They head home with a 2-5 road trip at their backs.

Hamels’ line was the stuff of aces — 8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K, 0 BB. He threw under 100 pitches, as Padre hitters teed up early in their at bats and gave Hamels the ammunition necessary to grab win No. 10. Brad Lidge tossed his 30th save in as many chances, getting some help from umpires, but mostly his fastball.

All this joy from strong pitching comes with the same old concerns. The offense was again lethargic, scoring just two runs off Cha Seung Baek. He threw a bunch of slop, and of course, the Phils can’t hit slop, and what’s worse, they try to hit slop. Baek recorded five strikeouts by throwing said slop against the fastball-happy Phils hitters.

Pat Burrell had two hits, including his solo home run (29), which proved to be the game-winner. The Phils also got an early run — Jimmy Rollins singled, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error and scored on a Jayson Werth sacrifice fly (surprisingly not a ground out). Other than those two instances, the Phils collected four hits and left 12 men on base.

So celebrate another good pitching performance, but say goodbye to the expansive city air of Petco Park. Remember, that’s where JD Durbin threw a complete game-shutout.

(For tonight’s game pic, here’s a gem captured on national television. Everyone support Phillies Nation!)