In the first meeting between Cole Hamels and the Washington Nationals since the Phillies' pitcher intentionally plunked outfielder Bryce Harper, neither Hamels nor the Nationals were in the hitting mood.
Hamels did not hit a batter in his dominant eight innings of work and the Nationals could barely muster a hit as they fell to Philadelphia by a score of 4-1.
In a contest between the two division rivals earlier this month, Hamels hit the Nationals' young phenom with a pitch. After the game, he admitted that it was intentional and was eventually awarded a five-game suspension. This time around, Hamels was strictly business. He pitched eight scoreless innings, not allowing a hit until the sixth, while striking out eight batters.
"We just couldn't get anything going off Hamels," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "You have to tip your hat to him. He's tough. He's done that to a lot of people."
The win improved Hamels to 7-1 on the year. More importantly, it stopped the Phillies' four-game losing streak, the longest of the season.
"First and foremost, I'm happy about stopping the skid we've had," Hamels said. "I felt confident in my stuff."
It was a nice change of pace for the last place Phillies. Philadelphia had lost nine of their last 11 games against Washington, including the last six at home. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel feels confident his team can bounce back and get the season going in the right direction.
"Tonight's win was big for us," Manuel said. "We're going to win some more. We ain't going nowhere."
The five-time reigning champs of the NL East are currently a game below .500 and in last place in the division due to injuries and inconsistent play. The upstart Nationals, usually bottom-dwellers, are a half-game in front of the Miami Marlins for the top spot in the East.
The Phillies and Nationals do not meet again until the last day in July.
