Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels was a terror for Pirates batters to deal with in Sunday afternoon’s 1-0 loss.
"We're trying to scratch out a run for him, and allow him to pitch," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said, per MLB.com. "He continues to go out and give us a chance to win. ... All he needed was one run today."
A pitcher’s duel throughout, Hamels, in a no-decision, went seven full innings and did not allow an earned run. He only surrendered four hits and one walk in 102 pitches. Hamels struck out 12 batters, a season-high for the veteran pitcher.
"I'm just doing what I can do. I only get to effect every five days," Hamels said. "As long as I'm going out there and being accountable, that's all I can do."
The game dropped Hamels’ ERA for the season down to 2.96.
His next start is projected for Friday against the Cardinals.