Phillies Recap: September 1, 2009

Philadelphia Phillies 1, San Francisco Giants 0

W - Hamels (8-8), L - Sanchez (6-11)

Cole Hamels was masterful tonight. Nearly perfect on the night, Hamels dealt nothing but unhittable strikes to the Giants hitters all night. The Phillies didn't do much better against Jonathan Sanchez, but they squeezed out a run in the fourth inning. On a night where pitching dominated the story, the Phillies behind Cole Hamels won the ball game by a final of 1-0.

It had to feel good for Cole Hamels, who threw the shutout for the Phillies. He pitched as well as he has all season, and tossed his second consecutive quality start. Aside from a second inning double by Ryan Garko, Hamels gave the Giants next to nothing. He allowed two hits and a walk on the night and never really came close to being in a jam. Hamels wiffed nine hitters over his complete game gem, and picked off a runner. After giving up the hit in the second, Hamels proceeded to retire 21 straight Giants hitters without breaking a sweat.

Jonathan Sanchez was the hard-luck loser for the Giants, as he pitched well but battled a high pitch count. As a result, he was out of the game after six strong innings in which he gave up three hits, three walks, and one earned run. He struck out eight Phillies on the night but surrendered an RBI double to Ryan Howard which proved to be the difference in the game. The Giants bullpen came into the game and shut the Phillies down for a couple of innings, but by then, it was too late, as the outcome was all but decided.

Before the game, we knew this was a big game for the Phillies. It was equally as big for Cole Hamels, who seemed to really have his confidence and swagger working all night. The early hit by Garko stole some of the drama that would have filled the ball park, had Hamels been working a perfect game. However, everything came together for the Phillies, who won a game the way they will need to against a strong pitching team like the Giants.