Hamels One-Hitter Almost Forgotten as Phillies Win
By: Mike Reisman
Apparently the Phillies can only win in extra innings. It took the Phillies eleven innings to win only their second game since the All-Star break. Not only did it take extra innings but it also took eight shutout one-hit pitching from Cole Hamels. Hamels threw 97 pitches and seven strikeouts in his no decision. His counter-part Adam Wainwright also pitched very well, getting six strikeouts in only six innings.
The action didn't start until the 11th inning, the innings before that being a pitcher’s duel. Kyle McClellan came in to pitch replacing Jason Motte. Polanco led off the inning with a bang, hitting a solo shot to left. It was the first run of the game and ended up being the decisive run in the game. After Shane Victorino grounded out Trever Miller replaced McClellan. He didn’t last long. After he walked Raul Ibanez and allowed a single to Ryan Howard he was replaced. The next batter was Jayson Werth and he took full advantage of the new pitcher sending a double to left scoring Ibanez.
After the side was retired, all the Phillies had to do was get three outs. Easy right? Nothing is easy with Brad Lidge. Lidge walked the first batter to get the tying run to the plate. After he stole second many Phillies fans were staring to worry. Lucky for them Lidge is just good enough to get an occasional save. He got two ground outs and a Randy Winn fly out to end the game.
Though the win was very un-impressive, it showed that Cole Hamels may be able to help the Phillies down the stretch if needed. One thing it didn’t show? The ability of the Phillies to hit. And they want to make a legitimate run at the playoffs, they will need to show the league why they were the best hitting team in the NL.
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