The Twins used some big hits from the best players to beat Cole Hamel and the Phillies Saturday, 8-4. Greg Dobbs doubled and homered for the Phillies while a few others had multiple-hit games. Former Phil Jim Thome had a homer in the eighth inning as well.
Hamels was pleased with his ability to pitch more innings despite allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out two in the effort. Hamels is starting to really make use of the curveball he hoped to improve heading into this season. With the addition of that pitch and all that else has happened in the offseason, it’s easy for the fans to have their confidence restored in Hamels.
That condifendence starts in him.
“Being able to go that deep into the game, it’s just nice,” Hamels said. “Now I’m starting to really feel game-oriented, and ready to really get up there and get going.”
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Brad Lidge is not ready nor will he be ready by Opening Day. Neither is J.C. Romero as both are still rehabbing and getting themselves back in game shape. Missing the opening series is evitable but Lidge still had hopes in pitching with the Phillies in the second series. He began Spring Training two weeks behinds all pitchers but feels he’s shaved a week off of that. If Lidge is smart, he will stop feeling he shaved that week off, use it, and not repeat the poor season he had in 2009.
TTB 