Cole Hamels pitched a brilliant game on Thursday afternoon, allowing only one hit in eight innings of work. The Phillies didn't get on the board until the 11th inning, so Cole did not get a decision, but the team got the much-needed win. It was a Placido Polanco solo shot in the top of the 11th that gave the Phils the lead, and Jayson Werth with his first hit with runners in scoring position since June 24th (!). [video below]
Hamels was fantastic, facing the minimum batters through seven innings and pitching a 1-2-3 eighth, but the heat likely prevented him from continuing out for the ninth. Opposing starter Adam Wainwright was removed after only six innings, so the heat was likely a big factor in Charlie's decision to remove Cole.
A comment from a reader dubbed Franchise made me smile, "I'm on Broad Street waiting for everybody but nobody's out. Oh, wait whats
that? We didn't just win the World Series? Just a game in July? Well it
sure feels like we did."
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It was a very badly needed victory. Back at the Bank tomorrow to face the Rockies. After today's game Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Saturday and Sunday's starters will come from inside of the organization, so look for Happ and Kendrick to reappear with the club.