The Undisputed Ace
Cole Hamels threw his first shutout tonight in a 5-0 victory over the Braves.
The Undisputed Ace
Todd Zolecki
Cole Hamels has had moments like this before.
He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning in his Phillies debut May 12, 2006, in Cincinnati. He carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning in Houston on Sept. 16, 2006. He struck out 15 in his first complete game in Cincinnati on April 21, 2007, and struck out 13 while throwing eight shutout innings against Washington on Sept. 28, 2007, which put the Phillies in sole possession of first place in the National League East with two games to play.
But tonight Hamels (5-3) picked up his first shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
"I definitely think it's the best I've pitched so far this year," he said. "That's pretty much all I can remember."
Hamels threw 22 first-pitch strikes. He threw ball three just three times. He got five first-pitch outs. He allowed a single to Omar Infante with one out in the first inning but retired the next 15 batters he faced until Gregor Blanco singled with one out in the sixth. Hamels didn't walk a batter until he walked two in the eighth.
It's the first Phillies shutout since J.D. Durbin shutout the San Diego Padres on July 22 at Petco Park. It's also the first Phillies shutout at Citizens Bank Park since Jon Lieber shutout the New York Mets on Aug. 16, 2006.
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Despite Hamels' effort, starting pitching remains this team's biggest concern. So the Phillies need to see something good from Kris Benson in the next couple weeks to believe he has a chance to help him this season. And they need to see it soon.
"We're always looking elsewhere for help," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He can't be our only option. He's not. But now that he's over his groin and he doesn't have any bicep symptoms anymore, we need to see him progress to think he might be able to help us."
No one forgets Ryan's accomplishments. And believe me, most of us appreciate them. But.......The key word is *WAS* ROY, MVP, etc. I guess that's the problem when you reach such milestones early in your career. Hard to live up to them year after year. The reason we're so tough on Ryan is....We're Philly fans. LOL! We HAVE to have someone to hate. This year it happens to be Howard/Myers. Next year? Who knows? LOL!— Norma- Let's be plain here. We are all fans, why else would we hang out here? I hope Ryan hits 60 and has 150 RBI's every year. But when he isn't performing (like Eaton, Myers) he is going to be subject to criticism. He wants A-rod or Pujols money, he needs to produce. We all have our favorite players, who we will defend. Truth loves Howard and thinks the sun sets on him, I see holes in his game. We are both right. The differing opinions make for spirited discussion and debate when any of us make outragous statements defending or bashing a player. This is like the cyber sports bar, everybody has an opinion. We don't forget what a player has done, we have high expectations that when not realized, bring criticism, just like on our everyday jobs. Just that they get to do what we all wish we could do. Peace brothers and sisters...LOL— jimmymack
- Well stated Norma, we must have been typing at close to the same time.— jimmymack
- Nicely put Norma & Jimmymack. My two cents: If Utley continues on the path he has set (even if at the moment he appears to be "slipping" a bit), the Phillies could 3-peat for MVP. Wouldn't that be cool beans? As I said early, I think Howard is seeing the light/ball and will continue on his usual pace of HRs & RBIs. For all its ups & downs, this is such a fun team to watch. Go Phils!— KarenA
Comment removed.- Sorry, the "he'll get his numbers" line doesn't wash. That's right up there with Ks don't matter. I don't want a guy who hits 70 HRS if he only shows up half the season. See, they won't make the playoffs. Enjoy the next 2 years, then we'll all wish him well in the AL.— John in LA
- jimmymack....You and I are always on the same page. LOL! And KarenA.....You are SO right. "For all its ups & downs, this IS a fun team to watch"! And I think we'd ALL love to see a 3-peat for MVP! Keep your eye on the ball, Chase! LOL!— Norma
- Comment removed.
- I'd like to see Chad Durbin get a shot, but it weakens the bullpen. That would make Madson the middle inning guy and he sucks (oes he ever NOT allow inherited runners to score)? As far as Hamels, he has a decent year, he'll face the same decision Utley and Howard had...give up arbitration & free agent years for a maybe less money, long term deal now (Utley) or do the arbitration route (Howard) and hope you don't blow out an appendage. As far as feeling "appreciated", the MLBPA agreement and that are at odds.— jimmymack
- Look..let's see Hamels get through one full year with missing no more than 2 games due to injury. Then let's talk about a contract. I think he's great, but he's yet to prove he can survive the season without at least one trip to the DL.— Deb in Dixie
- John in LA.......I like your *team* of A-Rod, Pujols, Jeter, etc.! In fact, a few of those got my all-star votes. LOL!— Norma
- Werth is a monster!!! He has plenty of game left to hit 5 dingers!!— Clinton, NJ
- Great game by Moyer! Eaton and Myers should really take notes..— Clinton, NJ
- I love it when the "old man" shows his stuff. What another fantastic game. Werth was AMAZING!!— KarenA
- Can't remember ever seeing any player with TWO curtain calls! Can you say...."MVP"!— Norma
