Cole Hamels was born and raised in the San Diego area. It was only fitting that he felt right at home in Petco Park against the Padres on Sunday. Hamels, with plenty of family and friends in the stands, left the Padres with zero chance at victory from the start of the game. The Phillies won 2-1 and left town with a series win by the same count.
Hamels was impressive going eight strong innings, scattering seven hits, allowing just the one run and striking out three. He also walked no batters. He also managed to get a hit at the plate, going 1-3 to put his batting average at .283.
Pat Burrell provided the neccessary firepower at the plate for the second time in the series, hitting a solo homer that proved to be the difference in the game in the top of the 6th.
Padres starter Cha Sueng Baek allowed just four hits over six innings, but could not outduel Hamels. He struck out five.
The Padres have a day off before traveling to Arizona for a set with the Diamondbacks.