Cole Hamels earned his first win of 2009 by tossing six innings allowing only three hits while striking out seven.  Hamels was spotted a big lead early as Jayson Werth and Chris Coste popped early home runs to give the Phillies a 6 to 0 gap.   Chase Utley hit his ninth home run of the season in the fifth inning to extend the lead.  The Braves plated two runs on Hamels as he left the game for a pinch hitter in the home sixth  with a 8 to 2 lead.

Jack Taschner, Clay Condrey and Brad Lidge tossed the final three frames.  Lidge gave up a three run home run in the ninth to Casey Kotchman in a mopup get your work in appearance…. often times closers struggle when asked to pitch in non save situations, lack of adrenalin rush I suppose.  After Kotchman’s homerun Lidge got nasty and struck two in a row before getting a fly ball to end the game.

Jayson Werth had three hits and is swinging a red hot bat in his last few games.  Chris Coste had a two hit game however Shane Victorino saw his hitting streak end.   The Phillies improved the season record to 15 wins and 12 losses.

Chatter

Manny Ramirez’s suspension makes one wonder “who’s next”?   My goodness, the integrity of the game and honor within seems to be taking one hit after another !  A-Rod made his return to the Yankee lineup tonight but I am sure fan excitement sure was tempered after he admitted this spring to illegal substance use.   Alot of guys are speaking out on the subject now but not so sure it is too little too late,  like I said, makes you wonder which superstar is next to get suspended !

The Phillies are home for five more games and need to build up that home record, with the win over the Braves they are now 7 and 8 at home.  Hamels gave them a good outing as a starter now the other four guys have to keep it up, a six game win streak would calm alot of nerves!