Cole Hamels threw seven scoreless innings and rookie Domonic Brown homered twice as the Phillies routed the Marlins 9-1 at Citizens' Bank Park. Hamels was as brilliant as we've come to expect striking out six and giving up just three hits on the night. David Herndon pitched the final two innings to close it out. Hamels grabbed a share of NL lead in wins with 9 and lowered season WHIP to 0.92. He's now 5-0 in his last six starts.
Cole looked to be cruising for a complete game, but was pulled in the 8th after 99 pitches when the training staff looked at him on the mound after he issued a walk to Wes Helms. It was announced after the game that he had some back stiffness, but is not expected to miss any time.
The Phils offense did their damage with the long ball, led by Domonic Brown's two solo shots. Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley all homered as well. Overall, the Phils pounded out 11 hits against the Marlins, 10 of which came off starter Chris Volstad, who was charged with 8 runs.
The loss is just another is what has been a total collapse from the Marlins, who just a little over two weeks ago sat just a game back in the NL East as well just a game or two off the pace for the leagues' best record. Since June began however, they've gone just 1-12 and have now dropped into fourth in the NL East, 8.5 games back of the Phillies.
The Phillies meanwhile have won four straight, are 7-3 over their last 10 and enjoy a 3.5 game cushion in the division. Perhaps the best news however is that the once stagnant offense has now scored 43 runs since June 5th. That's almost fiver per game. The Phils are back to work tomorrow as Kyle Kendrick faces Elih Villanueva.