Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels (0-2) struggled for the second-straight start, allowing eight runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings of a 9-8 loss to Kansas City in an interleague matchup Sunday. Hamels, who walked four and struck out two, opened the season by giving up five runs on seven hits in five innings in a loss to Atlanta.
The last time he failed to complete at least six innings in back-to-back outings came at the end of the 2010 season. The three-time All-Star has a 10.97 ERA after two starts. He will attempt to bounce back Saturday at Miami, which was shut out once in five games against Hamels last season.