Cole Hamels was fantastic, allowing one run on six hits, striking out a season-high 11, and walking none. But the one run was a solo homer to Jeff Francoeur and that was the only run of the game, as Johan Santana (0R, 5H, 6K, 3BB) and the Mets again blanked the Phillies. The Phillies had lots of chances but did not get it done. And Hamels, despite outpitching Santana, was once again a hard-luck loser. It makes me want to scream.
Chris Wheeler said sometime during the broadcast that earlier that day Davey Lopes had said he no longer gets angry with players when they do dumb things, he just feels disappointed. I can understand that but this game has left me vexed. First, there's Jayson Werth, who again made a boneheaded base-running mistake. Werth may have good numbers but he has been irritating to watch for much of this season. Jimmy Rollins was also thrown out at third on a bunt attempt by Polanco, but that was thanks to a rather sensational play by Santana on the ball. And maybe because Jimmy is still limping from his foot injury.
Speaking of which, you would think all the people venting about Rollins' average might want be able to connect his limping to a poor swing.
If Rollins were to go down again, the line-up would be scary. It's already beyond bad without Utley, Howard, and Victorino. Yesterday Chase Utley talked about getting the splint off his thumb. Then MLBN's best program ever, Batting Practice Live, caught Victorino rooting in the ivy beyond the center field wall. He seemed to be looking for balls that had been hit there but it was too funny. On the radio pregame show, Scott Proefrock said that Victorino will likely go on a rehab assignment on Tuesday. Do hope it's with the 'Pigs, who need a shot of octane, if only borrowed.
And what about the pinch-hitters? Dobbs is now something like 3-35. Nice guy and all that but enough. Just as bad is John Mayberry, Jr., and his long, loopy swing. Back to Triple-A with you, kid.
Everyone had better come ready to hit tomorrow. I am so tired of the R.A. Dickey story.
