Hamels Steps Up as Phillies Beat Mets 4-2

Cole Hamels was the ace Friday night as he stepped up for his team. Florida had closed the gap in the NL East to 5 games but, after a 4-2 win against the Mets and a Florida loss the Phillies had extended their lead to 6 games. They also cut down the magic number to clinching the division title down to 17.

Hamels pitched 6 and 2/3 innings and allowed only one run while, striking out six and only walking one. Ryan Madson, the team closer for now, allowed one run in the ninth inning but, held strong as he earned the save. The Phillies left 13 runners on base during the game but, they did manage to scratch a run here and there as they gave Hamels and the bullpen just enough to win the game.

The team's defense and pitching appeared to wake up to manager Charlie Manuel's complaints about his team's lack of intensity. But, the offense stilled seemed a little lackluster as they couldn't get the hits in the clutch as they stranded so many runs.

This was another sign that Hamels is heating up for the postseason. His stats over the last 4 games has been 2 wins, 29 2/3 innings and only 5 earned runs during the stretch. Hamels has become the ace that everyone saw last year. If he can combine with Cliff Lee Philadelphia will be given the most dominant lefty punch in the major leagues. Hamels improved his record to 9-9 as the Phillies improved to 80-59.