Philadelphia starting pitcher Cole Hamels was outstanding Monday night at home against the Nationals. One simply wonders why he left the game so early?

Hamels gave up just two hits and one run on a Ryan Zimmerman home run in the first inning over seven outstanding innings on the outing. He threw just 87 pitches and left in a 1-1 ballgame before Justin De Fratus allowed the Nationals to take a short-lived lead. Hamels took a no-decision for the Phillies.

Hamels didn't walk a batter and struck out eight to lower his ERA to 3.50 on the year. His record remains 6-13, though he's allowed three or fewer earned runs in 10 of his last 11 starts. Hamels has 10 quality starts over his last 11 outings, though he's just 3-2 over that span.

The 29-year-old, who has a solid WHIP at 1.16 and a .247 batting average against, makes his next scheduled start on Sunday against Atlanta.