Hamels Fans Five; Howard’s Six RBI Power Phils Over Marlins

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Cole Hamels gave up four hits and struck out five, as the Philadelphia Phillies gave him enough runs en route to a 10-6 win over the Florida Marlins Wednesday.

The Phillies finally came through for their hard luck starter. After averaging less than a pair of runs per game for Hamels, the Phillies’ bats finally came to life for the 2008 World Series MVP.

Hamels, who evened his record at 10-10, tossed another masterpiece. Hamels left the game after blanking the Marlins for seven innings, increasing his shutout streak to a career-best 25 innings.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Hamels said of the shutout. “I need to get one guy out the next game and then it goes to another guy. I just want to keep the team in the game and get the wins. That’s ultimately going to get you to the playoffs. Individual records aren’t as big a deal anymore.”

Hamels, who lowered his ERA to 3.06, gave up four hits and struck out five Marlins.

“I was able to keep them off balance,” Hamels said. “They hit some balls hard but they stayed in the park.”

Slugger Ryan Howard hit his 28th home run, which is the 250th of his career and drove in six runs.

“It feels good to be able to go out and contribute,” Howard said. “That’s all I’m trying to do. We’re coming down the stretch. Every game counts. I’m just trying to do my part.”

The Phillies offense, which banged out 17 hits, seemed to build an insurmountable lead.

However, the bullpen made it interesting by giving up a six-spot in the eighth. Ryan Madson, who pitched for the fourth consecutive game, closed out the contest.

“We definitely wanted to stay away from Madson,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “But we had to use him.”

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