Hamels Makes a Start Without Injurying Himself

Cole Hamels has not had the best luck so far in 2009. He had to be shut down during Spring Training due to shoulder soreness, had a line drive ricochet off of his pitching arm, and twisted his ankle while trying to field a bunt attempt. For the ace of the Phillies 2008 pitching staff, 2009 has so far been a year to forget. However, with tonight's victory over the Atlanta Braves, Hamels was able to have an injury free night and pick up his first victory of the season.

With help from Chase Utley, Jason Werth, and Chris Coste in the form of home runs, Hamels was able to go six innings and strike out seven Braves. Along with getting the win, Hamels was able to lower his ERA down closer to where fans are used to seeing it being. So far for this season, Hamels ERA is 6.17, almost double what it is for his career. However, it is much better than the 11.49 ERA it was earlier in the season. The only damage done by the Braves was in the form of two runs in the fourth inning. His control was near perfect, only walking two of the batters he faced. "He looked back to normal to me," Bobby Cox, the Braves manager said in a post game interview.

The one who did not look back to normal yet was the closer, Brad Lidge. After being nearly untouchable in 2008, Lidge has allowed just about everyone to touch him so far in 2009. Lidge gave up a three run home run in the ninth inning, almost losing the game for Hamels. The home run increased Lidge's ERA to 8.49. It is also the fifth home run in almost twelve innings that Lidge has allowed this year. In 2008, Lidge had only allowed 2 home runs in the entire season and had a stellar 1.49 ERA. Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel states that Lidge just needs to get more time on the mound. Hopefully this is the case, or Lidge may start being given the nickname of 'Wild Thing', reminiscent of Mitch Williams, the Phillies closer in 1993.

However, for tonight, the Phillies have won the game, thanks in large part to Hamels. During a season where the starting rotation has held the infamy of having the highest ERA in the majors, a strong start from Hamels has helped keep the Phillies in first place in the National League East for the time being. They currently hold a tenuous half game lead over the New York Mets. With more consistent starts for Hamels, and the entire pitching staff, and consistent production like tonight from players like Utley and Werth, the Phillies should be able to give us another wild ride season, competing against the Mets.

Sources:
www.phillies.com