Another Ace-Worthy Start For Hamels

Cole Hamels did it again. The 24-year-old ace held his composure in the game one victory, securing his place among great Phillie pitchers.

If you want wax in the form of screenwriter’s gold, check out Bill Conlin, who now digs into the 1940s and 50s for movie metaphors — something I appreciate as a film graduate. He spins a nice yarn about Hamels’ big victory.

But metaphors aside, this was about grinding it out and getting the job done. Hamels got beat — nay, pulverized — by Manny Ramirez in the first inning. Matt Kemp took him for a double a bit later. But the kid held it together, and kept it a two-run game, the kind of deficit the offense can make up without a sweat. Hamels:

“The way the team’s been playing. I had confidence (in the offense) and knew that even if I do put them down early, we’ll come back.”

Once Hamels got the lead, he was unstoppable. His fastball was crisp. His changeup was heart-stopping. He had swagger. They say the first inning is the best time to jump on a pitcher — Ramirez showed that. And once Hamels got in a groove, there was almost nothing Los Angeles could do to beat him. He went from grinding to dominant in a matter of innings. That’s why he’s the ace.