The one thing that was considered somewhat a positive for the Philadelphia Phillies (28-23) in recent weeks was the performance of Cole Hamels. Yeah, scratch that.The rain played a huge factor is how long Hamels went in this one, but the part of the game he participated in wasn't exactly encouraging.
Hamels went two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits and a three-run home run to Troy Glaus. It was Glaus' second three-run in two days and this blast sent Hamels for the dugout and the fans for cover.
What proceeded was a 1 hour and nine minute rain delay and Hamels didn't return. While Atlanta's start Tim Hudson did return for the Braves.
Hudson pitched well tonight following the delay going 6 strong innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 6. The two runs Hudson gave up was a two-run shot by Ryan Howard. It was Philadelphia first home run in 68 innings and it was Howard's 9th of the season.
The Phils were threatening in the ninth with the bases loaded and Ryan Howard at the plate facing former Phillie Bill Wagner. But Howard responded with a ground-out that ended the game and put the Phils a game and a half behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East going into the series finale tomorrow afternoon.
Kyle Kendrick will be on the mound tomorrow looking to avoid the sweep for the Phils. A sweep against the Braves would put the Phillies behind the eight ball with the best team in the NL coming to Citizens Bank Park this weekend, the San Diego Padres.
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