Sometimes it is hard to forget your first. For Cole Hamels, that is all he wants to do.
In his first start of the season, Hamels only lasted 2.2 innings allowing six runs on seven hits. Since that first start against the Mets, he has worked 37 innings and allowed only six runs. Tonight he went the full nine, allowed only five hits and struck out six. After going the distance tonight, his ERA is down to 2.66 and he is 4-1 for the season.
The Four Aces are now 13-5 and have thrown four complete games. That is four complete games in the team’s first 28 games. In 2008, the team had four CG the whole season.
Hamels was on point the whole night. His fastball was crisp regularly hitting 93 on the radar. With the offense cooling off the past couple games Hamels figured he would get into the action. Hamels roped a triple off the right field wall just out of the reach of Jayson Werth for the Phillies first hit. Jimmy Rollins, back in his lead spot, scored Hamels with an RBI single to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.
The Phillies erupted for 12 hits today off Nationals starter Livan Hernandez and his relievers. Raul Ibanez broke an 0 for 35 slump hitting two doubles in four at bats. Joining the two hit club with Hamels and Ibanez was Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Ryan Howard. Placido Polanco went hitless for the first time in 12 games ending his 11 game hitting streak. He did have an RBI sac fly.
In Hamels last nine starts against the Nationals, the Phillies are 9-0. Hamels in those games; 6-0 with 2.73 ERA. Overall Hamels is 10-3 against the Nats. Since his awful outing against the Mets, Hamels has has gone at least seven innings and allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last five starts.
Worth noting: Rollins picked up two hits and an RBI from the lead off spot. Victorino fit in perfectly batting second also picking up two hits. Rollins also had his first triple of the season, as did Hamels.
The single that Hamels picked up in the ninth inning off reliever Henry Rodriguez was on a 98 mph fastball.
Jayson Werth tipped his batting helmet to the home crowd before his first at bat and received a standing ovation. Cheers quickly turned into jeers as he miss played Rollins hit in the corner.
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