Old demons continue to plague Cole Hamels, as a pair of solo shots spelled defeat for the Phillies ace’ in their most recent loss to the Nationals.
To set the standard, Hamels gave up a leadoff homer to Yunel Escobar in the first inning and a leadoff to Michael Taylor in the fifth. The poor pitching cost the Phillies dearly as they dropped their fifth game in a row following a series sweep against the Mets, now sitting at 3-7.
The Phils lived up to their affiliate name and started fightin, tying the score in the third inning before briefly taking the the lead in the fourth, but that was only to last a few moments. Hamels gave up a run in the fourth when Wilson Ramos continued to add to the Phillies woes. Following Young’s homer in the fifth, the Nats scored two more just an inning later on a double from Ryan Zimmerman.
Batting saw an improvement from the previous series. With Ryan Howard demoted to the No. 7 hole, the Phillies created plenty of opportunities only to leave a resounding seven runners on base. They had the bases loaded twice, but only took advantage with a sacrifice fly in the fourth.
Freddy Galvis struck again in the third, knocking in a two out triple. New number 7 Howard went 1 for 3 with a single and two fly outs.
The four-game series returns on Friday night when Sean O’Sullivan (0-0, 3.00) squares up against Max Scherzer (0-1, 0.66). O’Sullivan faced the Nats in his only other start this season, so his experience should well be vital.
