Hamels struggles in Home Opener; Utley powers Phils past Nats, 7-4.

It was quite the festive day at the Phillies home opener. It was a day full of music, great food, beer, and derogatory chants directed at the opposition’s centerfielder.  Yes indeed, it was just another day at the packed CBP.

Before the game, Charlie Manuel raised the 2009 NL pennant. It was a bitter-sweet feeling, because we all know that flag could have been something that was a little more significant. This year, the Phillies look to raise a World Series pennant, and that may very well depend on today’s starting pitcher, LHP Cole Hamels.

Hamels, who pitched adequately in his first start, went a mediocre 5 2/3 innings today. In those 5 2/3 innings, he allowed 4 runs on 6 hits, one being a solo shot by LF Josh Willingham. He struggled with location all day long. This has seemed to be Hamels’ problem since the start of Spring Training. He has been all over the plate, and he is struggling to get ahead in counts. Despite only walking one in today’s game, Hamels still threw 109 pitches in less than 6 innings of work. I believe he is experimenting with his pitches; seeing what works best. I hope he gets it together soon, because every playoff contender needs that 1-2 punch, and Hamels doesn’t look like he is part of one.

The offense was silent early, but things picked up in a big way. During the 4^th and 5^th innings, the Phillies put up 7 runs. Chase Utley and Placido Polanco both had 2 RBI’s. Chase got his RBIs by slamming a 2-run homerun that just stayed fair. Ryan Howard and Jason Werth would each add one RBI of their own. INF Juan Castro even added an RBI. Oh, who is that? He replaced the injured SS Jimmy Rollins. Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. I wouldn’t worry about RF Jason Werth, who was replaced by OF Ben Francisco. Yes, they both got injured today. However, it’s not that bad. You can read about that on an earlier post.  On a more positive note, the bullpen looked good again. Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson combined to pitch 3 1/3 scoreless innings in the Phillies 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals.