Cole Hamels Quiets Rays Bats, Wins Game 1

By KC Downey in Red Sox ⋅ October 23, 2008 at 5:26am ⋅ Post a comment

Cole Hamels did what most Red Sox starters could not do: quiet the Rays bats. Hamels allowed two runs on hits in seven strong innings of the Phillies’ 3-2 Game 1 victory at Tropicana Field. Closer Brad Lidge slammed the door shut after a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.

B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria (players who killed the Red Sox in the ALCS) went a combined 0-8 with four strikeouts and six men left on base. Carl Crawford blasted a home run in the fourth inning to get the Rays on the board, but the Rays didn’t get much from anyone else. Akinori Iwamura did his part though, going 3-4 with an RBI.

Rays starter Scott Kazmir had a decent start, going six innings with three runs allowed on six hits and four walks. He allowed a home run to Chase Utley in the first inning, which got the Phils off to a running start.

Game 2 features a matchup between James Shields and Brett Myers. If the Rays lose Game 2, they’re doomed. If they win it, they should go on to win the World Serie. I can’t believe I just typed that…

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: B.J. Upton, Cole Hamels, Evan Longoria, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, World Series

Discussion

2 comments for “Cole Hamels Quiets Rays Bats, Wins Game 1”

The great news is one you get past Hamels the rest of the Phillies rotation is smooth sailing.

Where as the Rays overall have a good rotation

Posted by Kylor Whitaker | October 23, 2008, 11:33 am
phili is going to twin the World Series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Eric | October 23, 2008, 11:44 am