Hamels Throws Complete Game Shutout, Phils Extend Win Streak To Seven

Cole Hamels was roughed up in his last start, but tonight he had his best outing of the season. A five hit complete game shutout against the Dodgers. It was the first complete game shutout for the Phillies this season. Cole never had any trouble throughout the whole game. He only threw 97 pitches, 68 of them were strikes and 29 of them were balls. Coming into the game Cole's ERA was 5.21. Now it stands at 4.40. Look for his ERA to go down each start he makes.
The Phillies offense did not score a whole lot of runs but all they needed was one run. They ended getting three runs for Cole. In the fourth inning Ryan Howard hit a sacrifice fly to score Chase Utley. Then, in the sixth inning Raul Ibanez doubled to score Jayson Werth. Finally, in the seventh inning the Phillies scored their final run of the game with a Jayson Werth single that scored Carlos Ruiz.
Shane Victorino did not play in tonight's game. Yesterday he left the game with a strained hip. Shane said that it is not serious and he could be able to play tomorrow. Manager Charlie Manuel says that it is more of a day-to-day injury.
Brett Myers had successful right hip surgery. Myers will begin a rehab program on Saturday. If all goes as planned, he can begin to long-toss in three months. That would mean that he could begin to start throwing in September, so chances of him pitching for the Phillies this year are slim. Myers will be a free agent at the end of the year. Myers had 10 starts this year. In those starts he was 4-3 with a 4.66 ERA. I thought that Brett was starting to find a groove. It was unfortunate that he got hurt because this could of been a very good year for Myers.
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Jamie Moyer will look to continue the Phillies seven game winning streak and expand there four game lead in the National League East. Last start, Jamie got his 250th win of his career and pitched very well. He went six innings and only gave up one run. Former Phillie Eric Milton will oppose Moyer. Milton has progressively gotten better with each start. Last start he seemed to struggle when he got at the 80 pitch mark. He will look to improve with his endurance.