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Hamels gets nod for Phillies in second test vs. Mets

Aug 9, 2014 - 12:45 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - If the Philadelphia Phillies were going to trade Cole Hamels it would have been this week. They reportedly put the left-hander on revocable waivers and he was claimed by the Chicago Cubs, but the Phillies pulled him back after both sides failed to work out a deal before a Friday afternoon deadline expired.

Hamels, who takes the mound tonight against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park, could still be dealt to another team in the offseason. With a $22.5 million salary over the next four seasons, Hamels stands to go to a team with deep pockets, although the Phillies would likely be asking a lot in return as far as prized prospects go.

The 30-year-old had a 4-0 run over a five-start span from July 7-29, but that string was broken with a 4-0 loss at Washington on Sunday. Hamels gave up four hits and an unearned run over seven innings. Despite that defeat, Hamels has surrendered just two earned runs over his last 30 innings pitched, which equates to a 0.60 ERA.

His last start against the Mets, July 29 at Citi Field, resulted in a resounding 6-0 victory when he struck out eight over eight frames. Hamels is just 8-14 with a 4.19 ERA in 30 career starts versus the Mets. That includes an 0-3 mark over his last four times facing the Mets at Citizens Bank Park. His last win in Philly over the Mets came April 15, 2012.

Dillon Gee counters on the hill for New York. The right-hander is 0-3 over his last four starts and hasn't won since July 9 versus Atlanta. Gee didn't get a decision in the Mets' 4-3 loss to the Giants on Monday at Citi Field when he yielded two runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Gee is 3-4 with a 7.11 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) versus the Phillies. That includes a loss to Hamels on July 29. In that contest, Gee was charged with five hits and as many runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Last night, Bartolo Colon tossed eight strong innings en route to his 200th career victory as the Mets held on for a 5-4 win to start this four-game set.

"It's certainly well deserved to reinvent yourself after being the way he was years ago and still being able to perform like the level he's performed to win 200 games," Mets manager Terry Collins said of the 41-year-old Colon. "That's a tremendous feat for him."

Colon (11-9) only gave up one run on six hits while fanning six and walking none in the Mets' fourth straight win at Citizens Bank Park.

"He hits his spots," said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg. "He pitches it on the corners, he changes speed and it's a hard thing for our hitters to gauge."

Juan Lagares started a four-run fourth inning for the Mets with an RBI double and Travis d'Arnaud added a solo home run an inning later.

A.J. Burnett (6-12) was reached for five runs on 11 hits in his six innings of work. He did manage to strike out eight, but gave up six hits in the fourth as the Phillies had their three-game winning streak snapped.

Burnett has lost his last four decisions.

Grady Sizemore doubled in two runs for Philadelphia with the bases loaded in the ninth, but the Phillies couldn't repeat Thursday's eighth-inning magic against Houston. Ryan Howard hit the go-ahead grand slam in that one.

The Phillies have not won a series against an NL East opponent since sweeping the Braves in Atlanta from June 16-18. Over their last seven series in the division, the Phillies are 0-5-2. Conversely, the Mets are 9-4 over their last 13 games against NL East clubs.

The Mets have won 10 of their last 11 games at Citizens Bank Park. New York has won eight of the previous 10 meetings overall.






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