Hamels tosses a gem as Phillies avoid sweep from Giants

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
July 24 2014, 4:15PM EDT.
@Philabaseball

PHILADELPHIA - Cole Hamels tossed eight strong innings for the Phillies on Thursday, collecting 10 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over the Giants at Citizens Bank Park.

The win is just the fifth of the season for Hamels, but that's mostly due to poor run support. He's now also pitched at least seven innings in 13 of his last 15 starts while posting a 2.04 ERA over that span.

"He's pitched like an ace for us today," said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg. "He's at the top of his game."

Jimmy Rollins hit a double in the opening frame and eventually scored on a Marlon Byrd single to give the Phillies an early 1-0 lead.

The Giants answered in the fifth with Ehire Adrianza collecting an RBI-single scoring Gregor Blanco who reached on a single.

The Phillies countered in the bottom of the inning with Ben Revere reaching base on a dropped pop-up and eventually scoring on a Chase Utley single to center.

Jonathan Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth, picking up the save after a loss and a blown save opportunity earlier this week.

The Phillies open a three-game set Friday with Arizona at Citizens Bank Park.

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