The Phillies finally decided to score some runs in a game started by Cole Hamels, as they topped the Braves by a score of 5 to 1. In front of a half-empty Turner Field (yes despite the Braves being up by double-digits in the division, they still can't fill a stadium), the Phillies used some great pitching and timely hitting to snap a three game skid and eleven game road losing streak. The win was also Charlie Manuel's 1,000th of his managerial career.
Cole Hamels got the starting nod and was spectacular, as he continues to have a resurgent second half of the season. Hamels tossed a complete game, allowing only one run, as he held the Braves to six hits. Recognizing that handing things over to the bullpen at this point is recipe for disaster, Hamels brought his A-game, striking out nine on the evening, while only walking one. Hamels still is only 5-13 on the season after a very rough start, but continues to lower his ERA and regain his form from previous seasons.
Hamels helped himself on the offensive side of things, scoring the Phillies first run of the game in the third inning. Hamels hit a triple to left and came home to score on a Jimmy Rollins single, giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. The Phillies tacked on three more in the sixth as young Cody Asche smacked a three-run home run, his second of the season. The Phillies would add one more in the ninth, as Carlos Ruiz hit an RBI single to bring home Asche. Rollins, Utley and Asche each notched two hits on the night, as Asche continues his steady improvement at the plate since his call to the big leagues.
The Phillies will face the Braves again tonight in game two of this three game set. Ethan Martin will make the start for the Phillies, facing off against Kris Medlen of the Braves.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Hamels helped himself on the offensive side of things, scoring the Phillies first run of the game in the third inning. Hamels hit a triple to left and came home to score on a Jimmy Rollins single, giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. The Phillies tacked on three more in the sixth as young Cody Asche smacked a three-run home run, his second of the season. The Phillies would add one more in the ninth, as Carlos Ruiz hit an RBI single to bring home Asche. Rollins, Utley and Asche each notched two hits on the night, as Asche continues his steady improvement at the plate since his call to the big leagues.
The Phillies will face the Braves again tonight in game two of this three game set. Ethan Martin will make the start for the Phillies, facing off against Kris Medlen of the Braves.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat