Hamels Halts Phillies Losing Skid
Not much has gone right for the Phillies this year. But at least we know that when Cole Hamels takes the mound, they at least have a shot at a win. After dropping 3 straight, the Phillies collected a win last night over the Brewers, thanks in large part to Hamels.
Hamels cruised through 7 2/3 innings allowing only 1 run until 1 bad pitch in the 8th ran him out of the game. The Ryan Braun 2-run homer was 1 of 4 home runs Braun has hit in this series…so far. I am sure Braun, who was said to be in a slump prior to this series, was thrilled to see the Phillies come to town. And just think, he may not be done yet.
Despite that annoyance, Hamels had a very solid game. The 4-3 win was nailed down by closer Jonathan Papelbon, who got 4 outs to seal the deal. Manager Charlie Manuel was criticized for not using Papelbon in a similar situation on Thursday night. On Saturday, he did not make the same mistake again.
The Brewers had a couple base running blunders, which helped the Phillies out. One guy got caught in a rundown and another did something a bit unusual. With 2 outs in the third, Braun again smashed what should have been a double to deep left field. But Jonathan Lucroy, who was on first base, missed second base and then stood like a deer in headlights instead of stepping on the base and continuing to run. By the time Braun reached second, all he could do was throw his hands in the air at Lucroy who was still there, looking dazed. Braun was out; inning over. Oops.
As for the Phillies offense, John Mayberry Jr. knocked a 2-run homer in the 2nd, followed by a solo shot from Erik Kratz. Ryan Howard doubled in the 3rd to give the Phils the go-ahead run.
The Phils get one more shot at the Brewers this afternoon. And they will also get another look at wannabe starter Kyle Kendrick. Can he repeat his last performance of 7 shut-out innings against the Marlins last week? Game time is 2:10pm.
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Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
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