The Phils finally returned to the Bank this afternoon for their 2010 home opener, once again, against the Washington Nationals. Cole Hamels got the start and once again he wasn't as effective as he probably would have liked, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6, in 5 and 2/3rds, but it was solid and good enough to keep the Phils in it. The way they've been hitting lately that's all they need, even without Jimmy Rollins in the lineup, who was scratched late due to a calf injury. In fact by the time he left the mound in the 6th he had the lead and the chance to get the win, thanks to a rally by the Phils lineup in the 4th and 5th innings. Down 4-0 in the 4th, A Ryan Howard single with 2 on and a fielder's s choice cut it to 4-2. Then in the 5th, Juan Castro slapped an RBI double for his first hit as a Phil, Placido Polanco followed with a 2 run single, and Finally Chase Utley slammed a 2 run homer to suddenly put the Phils ahead 7-4.
From there Chad Durbin finished off the top of the 6th, Jose Contreras tossed a scoreless 7th, Dannys Baez followed with a scoreless 8th, and finally Ryan Madson closed the door on the Nats with a 1-2-3 9th. So the Phils took the 7-4 win, their 6th win their first 7 games, better than anyone else in the majors right now. I know Hamels wasn't perfect again today, I think it is too early in the season to worry about him just yet. He has actually been better so far this season then he was last year, and seems to playing with a little more resolve. He's no longer getting rattled after allowing a few runs. He's also striking out a lot of batters. So there's two things right there that bode well for him moving forward. Besides, who cares about pitching when you can hit like the Phils have so far.
2 comments:
My sentiments exactly about who cares about pitching when you hit like the Phils. On the plus the bullpen looked solid however Cole Hamels is worrying me a little but the winning streak continues and I'm digging it.
-to ph1llysports
yeah same here
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