Mets Earn Legally-Mandated Win Against Cole Hamels

Really. Nobody likes them. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Yet again, it appears that the Mets have some legally-binding agreement with the Phillies, Major League Baseball, or God. Cole Hamels‘ poor luck (designed mediocrity?) against the team continued Tuesday night with a six-run shellacking in his home opener at Citizens’ Bank Park.

Hamels kept his line clean until the 3rd inning, when Daniel Murphy singled in a run and immediately found himself out attempting to run into Chase Utley‘s territory. Things got worse in the fourth, as Josh Satin singled in another, and Hamels walked the bases loaded.

It is worth noting the horrible weather conditions this game was played under – it began an hour and a half late due to rain. It’s possible this contributed to Hamels’ poor control, but regardless it was bad. He even walked opposing starter Jon Niese after the bases were loaded, bringing in the third run of the night. The Mets added three more runs in the fifth, and Hamels was pulled before the end of the inning.

In total, his line comprised of 4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, and a HBP. Against the Mets, he owns a career 4.65 ERA with a 1.494 WHIP, a .296 BAagg, and a .800 OPSagg them in 27 starts. That’s not normal for Cole Hamels.

As far as the rest of this game goes, the bullpen was stellar. That’s awesome to be able to say over 4.1 innings, but it would be nicer to say that on a night where the starting pitching was solid, as well. Temporary reliever Roberto Hernandez (his start is being skipped on Friday, allowing for Cliff Lee/A.J. Burnett/Hamels to face the Nationals) finished off the fifth. Mario Hollands went two innings, and Jeff Manship and Shawn Camp each took one a piece. All relievers allowed only one hit, and no walks. It was a good night for those guys.

Offensively, it was an atrocious night for most involved. Jon Niese was in control for most of the evening, only allowing one run, a homer by Marlon Byrd in the fourth.

Ben Revere, Jimmy Rollins, Domonic Brown, and Not-Cody-Asche all went hitless on the night. It should be noted that after reaching on a force-out, Revere did steal his 10th base of the season (tied for 3rd in all of baseball). Ryan Howard hit a double and a single, and Carlos Ruiz hit a single and walked. Chase Utley singled once, and Actual-Cody Asche walked in his pinch-hit appearance. All-in-all it was a rough game for everyone but the bullpen.

The team will play again tomorrow night.

Let’s be honest, the second game against the Mets is likely to be rained out.

Requisite Minor League Note: The loveable Clearwater Threshers lost 20-0 tonight. Yes. TWENTY. TO NOTHING.

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Next Game (Weather Permitting): 7:05, Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Philadelphia, PA  Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Jets Nets Mets  Kyle Kendrick vs. Bartolo Colon