Cole Hamels throws two scoreless innings in spring debut

CLEARWATER, Fla. --- Phillies ace Cole Hamels threw two scoreless innings in his first start of the spring Friday afternoon against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field.

A bloop single by Stephen Drew in the first inning was the only hit Hamels surrendered in his 2015 Grapefruit League debut. The 31-year-old lefthander recorded two strikeouts and did not issue a walk. He threw 31 pitches, 22 for strikes.

"I guess that's what you want to do," Hamels said. "Get in there, throw strikes and execute, and get in and out quick before the time clock goes off.

Hamels, who took the mound amid a light rain, threw 14 pitches in the first inning. Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorious started the game by flying out to centerfielder Odubel Herrera. Hamels then struck out Chase Headley on three pitches, inducing a swing-and-miss strike three on an offspeed pitch. Three-hole hitter Stephen Drew dropped a single into right field before Mark Teixeira lined out to left field to end the inning.

Hamels got designated hitter Greg Bird to fly out to left field to open the second frame. He fell behind 3-1 to catcher Gary Sanchez but recovered to strike him out. Ramon Flores grounded out to second base to end Hamels' first start of the spring.

"This has been a great spring, just from a sense that the overall team aspect of what we're trying to do out there, how we're trying to implement a new focus," Hamels said. "But at the same time we all know that we have to get ready and we have to be as competitive as we possibly can."

Nefi Ogando took the mound to start the third inning. Adam Morgan, Ken Giles, Jake Diekman, Andy Oliver and Luis Garcia were also scheduled to pitch after Hamels, who is in line to pitch again Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Clearwater.