So much for Cole Hamels being this year Phillies hard-luck pitcher.
The Phils, whose bats usually have gone to sleep every time the lanky Californian took the mound, tried to make up for past sins all at once last night.
Even without sparkplug center fielder Shane Victorino in the lineup, the Phils gave Hamels all kinds of cushion as they battered the Marlins in a 14-2 laugher.
You can read beat writer Ryan Lawrence’s account of the game here.
Hamels posted his 10th win by going eight strong innings, giving up just two runs during a hiccup in the fourth when the Fish strung together a couple of hits, including a home run. Hamels scattered eight hits other than that, and was never in serious trouble.
It was his first win in four starts, and therein lies the rub in this offensive outburst.
With any offensive support at all, Hamels easily could lead the league in wins. As it is he has struggled to get to this double-digit plateau.
He’s not complaining. Actually after the game, he said it was kind of hard to stay in his normal rhythm because of the long Phillies at-bats as they erupted for 18 hits against Florida.
Hamels is due to pitch again on Sunday, which will take him out of consideration for pitching in Tuesday night’s All-Star game.
Make no mistake, however. Hamels just might be the best pitcher on the Phils’ staff.
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