This match up lived up to the hype. Cole Hamels versus David Price was exactly what they advertised. They combined for 14 innings and only one run was scored. Both of these guys are top tiered left handed pitchers and show up every game ready to go.
A long inning for both starters would end their outings after the seventh and hand the game over to the bullpens.
In just the eighth inning alone, more runs would be scored than the entire game before it. Antonio Bastardo gave up three runs after throwing just 16 pitches. Hamels threw 111 pitches and did not allow one.
The Breakdown –
Cole Hamels had a long fourth inning, throwing over 30 pitches. Hamels had been averaging around 12-15 pitches per inning up to that point and also did so after. When the seventh inning was over Hamels had thrown over 100 pitches and his spot in the batting order was due up third.
Not even 12 hours after throwing 29 pitches in an inning and a third, Charlie Manuel decided to go with Antonio Bastardo for the eighth. It did not end well. Bastardo, after walking two batters, gave up a three run home run to Carlos Pena. Those three runs would be all the Rays needed beating the Phillies 3-2 going into the second game of the double header tonight.
Quick Hits –
Jimmy Rollins hit his third home run in as many days and went 3-for-5 at the plate. Rollins has now hit five home runs in the month of June. Hunter Pence had two hits tonight, both doubles. His first, was all hustle on his part. Pence ran hard right out of the box and turned what would have been a single for most into a double.
Cliff Lee will be on the mound for the second game tonight still looking for his first win.
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