Phillies 4, Mets 2

Friday, September 11th

Cole Hamels was sharp over 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out six, as the Phillies were triumphant in the opener of a four-game series against the Mets.

Hamels (9-9, 4.21 ERA) has been very good in his last four starts, going 3-1 with a 1.51 ERA since the Aug. 21.

The left-hander was backed by little run support, but managed to get by. The Phillies left 12 runners on base over six innings and were 4-for-18 with runners in scoring position… a problem that has been well-documented.

The offense let Nelson Figueroa off the hook, despite banging out nine hits off the veteran right-hander.

The Phillies’ bats didn’t rely on the long ball for run production. Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley each collected RBI hits. Utliladelphia ey’s knock was a double that gave the team a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning.

Carlos Ruiz added a sacrifice fly.

Shane Victorino, who had been struggling over the last several weeks, was 3-for-3 with three doubles and two walks.

Ryan Madson earned the save and is 3-for-3 as the Phillies’ new closer since Brad Lidge was removed from that role. Brett Myers worked a six-pitch eighth inning and has yet to allow a run in four appearances since being activated from the disabled list last week.

The Phillies recorded their 80th win of the season and, with a Marlins loss against Washington, extended their NL East lead to six games.

Player of the Game

Cole Hamles (6 2/3 IP, 6K)