What else is new? Cole Hamels was again brilliant and again came away with a no-decision. Hamels pitched eight scoreless innings against the Cardinals this afternoon, allowing just one run and one walk. He struck out the first five batters he faced. Adam Wainwright was good but left after after the sixth, having given up six hits and no runs. The pitching match was thrilling until Wainwright left and we we forced onto the LaRussa reliever merry-go-round.
The Phillies finally won it in the 11th. Polanco led off with solo home run. Ibanez walked and was eventually doubled in by Werth, who had his first hit with runners in scoring position since June 24. The Phillies then left the bases loaded. With a 2-0 lead, Brad Lidge managed to make things antsy by walking Jon Jay. I mean, why bother? But he got the next three outs and the Phillies left St. Louis having put one game in the win column. Ryan Howard had three hits in the game. The Cardinals had just a single by Matt Holliday.
Cole Hamels has thrown several gems this season and has pretty much nothing to show for them--except a lot of yapping, whining comments from no-nothing fans. Why ever would Roy Oswalt consider coming to Philadelphia? He is already getting no run support in Houston. Why travel for more?
