Hamels Hand Is Strong, Phillies Snap Skid

Somehow the Phillies did it again.  They were out hit by an opponent and only scored two runs; again.  This time, however, the Phillies fans were cheering and not jeering as the last out was recorded for a 2-1 victory.

Cole Hamels shaved the facial hair and was smooth rolling all night against the Colorado Rockies.  He went eight innings, allowed just the one run and struck out eight.  Hamels’ ERA is down to 2.92 and he is tied for the team lead in wins with Roy Halladay at five.

It was Hamels first win against the Rockies in his career.  He now has at least one win against the other 15 National League teams.  Before tonight Hamels was 0-3 with an ERA over eight in three starts, two in the postseason.  Hamels at one point in the game retired 13 batters in a row.

Ryan Madson struck out the side in the ninth inning for his seventh save in seven tries.  His ERA is at 0.53 and he is looking super comfortable in the closers role since Jose Contreras went on the disabled list.

The offense stilled struggled but showed up just enough for the Phillies to snap their four game losing streak.   Wilson Valdez

went 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI.  Jimmy Rollins loves the drama with the Rockies.  He hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning that would prove to be the winning run.

John Mayberry Jr. made the start in the left field and while he went 0-3 at the plate did pick up another outfield assist throwing out Alfredo Amezaga at third base.

Worth Noting:  Victorino will have an MRI tomorrow on his hamstring but told a team spokesman he felt fine after his eighth inning pinch hit sac bunt.

Chase Sighting: Utley was scheduled to play all nine innings today and tomorrow in Clearwater.  A certain AP writer thinks he could be back before the end of the nine game home stand.