Hamels Magnificent In 5-0 Win
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 16, 2008 09:09 AM
King Cole took to his throne Thursday night, throwing one of the best-pitched games in baseball this season in a 5-0 win over the Braves. It was Hamels’ first career shutout and third career complete game.
The Phils got offense from slumping players. Pedro Feliz had two RBI — a home run to left field and a line drive double that missed being his second homer by mere inches. Ryan Howard added his third homer in five games, and Shane Victorino scored his first bomb of the year. It looks as if Howard is coming around finally — his homer was a straight rainbow into the center field shrubbery.
The star was, of course, Hamels, who struck out six, matching his hit and walk total. Only one Brave player reached second base. Hamels threw 120 pitches and 85 strikes. He carries the best strike-thrown percentage in baseball. His ERA is now at a gorgeous 2.89. He is 5-3. Oh, and Hamelsgot his seventh and eighth hits of the year to bring his average to a ridiculous .320.
It was one of those games where you felt comfortable the entire time. In fact, once Feliz his his homer to make it 1-0, I knew the game was in hand. Hamels located all night, baffled with his changeup, worked quickly and looked fiery. He was pissed when he walked a batter. Easily his best showing of the year and coming at the right time — with Brett Myers imploding, Adam Eaton reverting to 2007 and Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick not exactly Cy Youngs out there, it’s huge to have such a stable and dominant arm leading the front.
Associated Press photo

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May 16th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I was there last night and let me tell you how refreshing it was to see Hamels dealing like he did. The game only took 2:13! Hamels was spot on. He got a standing ovation when he came to the PLATE in the 8th inning signifying he would in fact trot out in the 9th to finish the complete game. So as a thanks he smacked his second hit of the game! He’s dealing on the mound and raking at the plate. Hopefully that fire spreads to the other starters. Let’s go Phils!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
At least we have one guy who has the balls (and strikes) to go after people and shut them down. How great would it be to sign Hamels to a deal like the Brewers gave Braun. If Braun performs close to his rookie year the Brewers got a steal.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Anyone else getting a JavaScript error in the upper right “Gameday Award”? Weird.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Superman wears a cole hamels jersey at night in stead of pajamas.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Yeah they need to sign him to an extension pronto. him and lidge should be the priorities. then comes burrell and howard. gillick said he isnt talking to him yet but he will at some point. well hed better.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hamels is the man. I would lock him up now and worry about Howard later personally, but I guess the thinking might be that that could upset Howard since he’s farther along in the process. Honestly, I wouldn’t pay 20 million a year for Howard though, for a guy who essentially is a black hole for at least a month a year and still and injury concern being such a huge guy.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I agree THe homeruns are nice and i love the electricity when youre at the game and he belts one your way when youre sitting in the outfield. however , hes not getting 20 million a year from me. i belive in paying that much for hamels and elite pitching like that, but not a guy that whiffs that much.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I’m sorry, but Cole’s performance doesn’t do it for me - I’m still upset with our starting rotation. My mood won’t change until someone else steps it up, or the GM’s announce plans to add starting pitching.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:17 am
doesnt do it for you as it pertains to hamels? or to the rest of the guys?
hamels is fine. 3 of the other 4 totally suck.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:21 am
He doesn’t make up for the rest of our shitty rotation, is what I’m saying. Of course, Hamels is fine - it’s just unbelievable that he’s surrounded by such garbage.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Ok. thats what i thought. yeah theres no reason taht everyone who posts to this blog shouldnt agree with that. I think kendrick has been fine as the 5th starter, I cant get on them for that because hes reliable for what he gives you. the rest of the guys suck though. i was totally goint to lay off them this afternoon until the game starts, but gillick came out and said that arrogant, disgraceful comment.
cole hamels needs to get a long-term deal now. no excuses.