Cole Hamels to improved to 4-0 all time at Petco Park as the Phillies beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 Friday night. Hamels went 6 innings, giving up 1 run and striking out 4. The bullpen threw three hitless and scoreless innings to finish it off.
The Phillies did their offensive damage in the 7th when Brian Schneider & Juan Pierre both hit bases loaded singles to plate 3 runs. It could have been an even bigger inning had pinch hitter Jim Thome not struck out with the bases loaded. Given that Thome is hitting .077 on the season, one has to wonder whether Hamels would have had a better shot to get his bat on the ball at this point.
Freddy Galvis went 2-3 with a walk tonight and has his season average up to .244 after he had gotten off to a terrible start. He’s not going to make anyone forget Chase Utley, but his bat is at least showing signs of life. Shane Victorino also had two hits, including a solo homer in the 8th. In giant Petco Park, that’s something to be admired.
Jonathan Papelbon picked up his 5th save of the season. Roy Halladay takes the hill tomorrow evening as the Phils look to win their 3rd straight.