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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