NewsHamels looks to one-up Lee in finale
Philadelphia (59-43) at San Francisco (57-47), 4:05 p.m. ET
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
08/01/09 11:34 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO -- Call it a friendly competition.Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels watched Cliff Lee throw a complete game in his Phillies debut Friday against the Giants at AT&T Park, and joked afterward that Lee embarrassed everybody with such a fine effort. Not only did Lee allow a mere four hits and one run in nine innings, he also went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
In the past, Hamels has said how he and Brett Myers pushed each other to pitch better. He can look to Lee for a little nudge Sunday afternoon in the series finale against the Giants. The game is broadcast on TBS with Chip Caray providing the play-by-play and Dennis Eckersley providing the color commentary.
Hamels is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his previous five starts. He allowed four hits and one run last time out, striking out nine in eight impressive innings in a 4-3 victory Tuesday over the D-backs at Chase Field.
"He's getting there," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.
When will he know if Hamels is there?
"When he's throwing shutouts and no-hitters," Manuel said.
Pitching matchupPHI: LHP Cole Hamels (7-5, 4.42 ERA)
Hamels is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA (nine earned runs in 33 innings) in his past five starts. The Phillies have won each of those games. Hamels has thrown at least seven innings in his previous two starts, the first time this season he has done that. "That's something I've really worked on, trying to go deep into the game," Hamels said. "Then you feel like you've really pitched and have actually helped the team. That's what I was able to do [Tuesday in Arizona]. I was able to throw strikes and battle all the way to the end." SF: LHP Barry Zito (6-10, 4.54 ERA)
Barry Zito finished one out shy of notching his third straight quality start Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The veteran lefty allowed one earned run over 5 2/3 innings before giving way to the Giants 'pen. While his 4.54 ERA could come down a bit, Zito has also managed to get by while receiving zero runs of support in seven of his 21 starts this season. Zito didn't face the Phillies last season, but holds a 2-1 record and a 3.50 ERA against Philadelphia all-time. Tidbits
Center fielder Shane Victorino said his bruised left knee has improved, but it is unlikely he plays until Tuesday against the Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. ... Myers (right hip surgery) long-tossed from about 150 feet Friday in Clearwater, Fla., and felt good. He will throw a bullpen session Sunday. ... Right-hander Chad Durbin (strained back muscle) also long tossed from about 150 feet and felt good, and will throw a bullpen session Sunday. ... Left-hander J.C. Romero (strained left forearm) threw from 120 feet and felt good. He is throwing a bullpen Sunday. ... Left-hander Antonio Bastardo (strained left shoulder) threw from 120 feet and is improving. He will long toss Sunday. ... Right-hander Clay Condrey (strained left oblique) is going to start throwing Monday. Tickets
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On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• MyPhl 17, TBS On radio
• WPHT 1210, WUBA 1480 (Español) Up next
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Phillies (Jamie Moyer, 10-7, 5.32) vs. Rockies (Jason Hammel, 5-6, 4.66), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Phillies (J.A. Happ, 7-2, 2.97) vs. Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa, 9-7, 4.68), 7:05 p.m. ET
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
