Hamels' Gem

Cole Hamels turned in a gem tonight in Cincinnati, a complete game, 15-strikeout performance, during a 4-1 win.  The Phillies’ defense also turned in a gem, their first triple play since 1999.

Hamels had 11 0-2 counts and a dozen 1-2 counts in pitching the first complete game of his big league career.

The 23-year-old Hamels joined some pretty heaving Phillies company with his 15 punch outs:

17 RHP Art Mahaffey, vs. Cubs, 4/23/61, 2nd game
16 LHP Steve Carlton, vs. Cubs, 6/9/82
16 RHP Curt Schilling, vs. Yankees, 9/1/97
15 Carlton at Mets, 9/16/81
15 Schilling, vs. Pirates, 7/21/97
15 Schilling, at Braves, 4/5/98

Another lefty, Chris Short, holds the Phillies record for most strikeouts in a game, 18.  “Shortie” pitched 15 innings (yes 15 innings) of a tie game on the last day of the season at the Mets, 10/2/65.   I suppose since it was the last game there was no concern about a pitch count.  Then again, pitch count wasn’t thought of back then.