Game Of The Week

Philadelphia Phillies @ Cincinnati Reds

An 8-4 routing of the Reds has the Phillies flame-broiled with success. This ousting debuted the "Colossal" Cole Hamels on the mound. Despite the staggering amount of balls, he held the Reds to a no-hitter 4.2 innings into it.

A bases loaded situation in the second gave a scare to the Phils. Hamels then difused the fire by taking out the final batter. Hamels commented previously, "I believe in setting goals high and heading straight at them." With only 6 games above Single A, this was the largest goal thinkable and he devastated those who opposed his call to the majors.

Felipe lopez broke up the no-hitter with a deep center dropper just barely missed by Shane Victorino. The hit lead to no runs scored.

Pat Burrell got wailed in the elbow in the 6th. The Phillies loaded the bases up and pinch hitted for Hamels. He would finish with 7 strike outs. Abraham Nunez unsuccessfully batted and lead to Ryan Madson's entrance. Madson gave up two homeruns seconds after leaving the bullpen to Austin Kearns and Edwin Encarnacion (his 6th).

The tie game had the crowd in an uproar with Madson still pitching. An RBI single by Chase Utley in the 7th broke the deadlock and Carlos Ruiz added another run with an 8th inning sacrifice fly. The Phillies continued rallying over the Reds pitching staff. Bobby Abreu got in off a wild pitch and Victorino hit a two run shot on the next at bat. Rick Fox would end the inning shortly after balking David Bell home.

The 8-4 lead was enough to defeat the Reds after their two run roll in the 9th. Tom Gordon captured his 11th save by controlling another bases loaded scoring attempt with a couple of outs left.

Utley and Victorino combined for 5 hits and 3 RBIs. Shane looks to hold a strong bench spot after Aaron Rowand returns from his trip to the 15 day DL. The rainy milieu didn't ruin a parade of hits by Philly. This game contributes an 11th win of the last 12 games for Philadelphia.