Hamels Time: Phils Avoid Sweep in 9-3 Win

The whole catching up to the team that is in first place in the division by beating them things has not worked out too well thus far for the Phillies in this series.  Luckily, the Phillies get to send out Cole Hamels in the series finale to attempt to save some face.  They did.

Cole Hamels looks like he is going to be really damn expensive if the Phillies can’t lock him up before he reaches free agency.  After accidentally hitting Bryce Harper with a pitch in the bottom of the first and watching him steal home on a lazy pick off throw to first, Cole didn’t allow another run.

He struck out eight in eight innings and was ready to come back out for the ninth if the Phillies didn’t bat around  in the inning.  Early in the season, he has been the team’s best pitcher and after the season, he may be their most expensive.

Hamels was opposed by another one of the National’s high first round draft picks in the person of Jordan Zimmerman.  He didn’t pitch too badly, but was tagged for three runs in the fourth inning, which was more than enough for Hamels the way he threw today.

Hunter Pence hit two home runs today.  It sure would be nice to see someone in the line-up get and stay hot.  After scoring three runs in the fourth, the offense exploded on Ryan Penny in the top of the ninth, smacking him around to the tune of six runs in 2/3 of an inning of work.  The Nats got to Brian Sanches for two meaningless runs in the ninth as the Phillies escape with one win in the series with a decisive 9-3 victory.

Jayson Werth left the game after injuring his wrist attempting to make a catch.  There isn’t any word as to how much time he will miss, but x-rays following the game proved that he broke his wrist.  Here’s to hoping that the injury isn’t as severe as the one he suffered in Los Angeles and that he can make quick recovery.

Tomorrow, the Phillies head home to face the Mets with Roy Halladay attempting to rebound from one of the worst starts of his career.  The Mets counter with Jonathan Niese.