Staked to a three-run lead in the 2nd, Cole Hamels breezed for three innings, then fell into the same hole that has dogged him all season. By the time he was lifted in the 5th, he had surrendered five runs and the Yankees had a lead they would never relinquish.
No matter what happens in this series, Hamels has got to be done. The season and postseason have been disasters for him. I still think it's because of his increased innings last year. In 2007 he threw about 190. Last year he threw about 260. Still, giving up an RBI to starter Andy Pettitte was a killer. Not surprisingly, the meat-headed frontrunners among the fan base are calling for Hamels to be traded, cut, or something else equally stupid.
Yankees took the game 8-5. Jayson Werth had two solo homers, Alex Rodriguez a two-run shot off of a right field camera. No help at all that Utley and Howard were oh-fer. Or that the bullpen couldn't hold the line.
Tonight it's Joe Blanton and his lifetime 8.18 ERA vs. the Yankees.
