FT. MYERS, Fla.Cole Hamels was pleased that he will get the ball when the Phillies open the home schedule on April 9. It will be the second time in his career that Hamels will start the home opener (the first was 2010) and if the past is prologue, it bodes well for Hamels since he got the win the first time.
Its a great honor, Hamels said. Just to be out there in front of your home fans -- its the excitement level. Its the start of the fans season because its at home. Having been able to be here for quite a few years, you get to see the excitement that everybody has about having the first game in Philadelphia.
Hamels says the home opener in Philadelphia has the atmosphere of a playoff game.
I dont know if its the equivalent, but its kind of like leading off a postseason series, he said. I get to be the first one to go in front of the home crowd and thats pretty fun.
Hamels could have picked up the win on Saturday against the Red Sox at Jet Blue Park if he had gone one more inning. However, in four innings Hamels said he threw 85 pitches and was pleased to get in the work needed with just two more spring outings left before the home opener.
Notably, Hamels said he was able to work on making adjustments on the fly during the outing against the Red Sox.
I think I got a lot better work in and I had good rhythm, Hamels said. I also got to figure out that when I didnt throw a good pitch how to tweak it fast and trying to get that game-ready.
MLB
Hamels gave up two runs on four hits in his four innings. He also had three strikeouts and a pair of walks. His next outing will be on Thursday at Bright House Field against Tampa Bay. After that he will pitch in one of the exhibitions at Citizens Bank Park in April.
In the meantime, Hamels says there were plenty of good developments in his four innings on Saturday.
I was just happy I was able to throw a lot of everything, Hamels said. I threw all four pitches and got some work on it and I felt comfortable. I didnt go deep into the game, but I got my pitch count up.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com