Phillies 14, Braves 1
Up next: at Mets, July 15, 7:10 p.m.
1. King Cole on a roll.
Cole Hamels won’t pitch in the All-Star Game Tuesday since he took the mound yesterday — but Phillies fans will take it, since he dominated the rival Braves with an exceptional effort. Hamels gave up just three hits and a run in eight innings, while striking out six and earning his 11th win of the season. He also lowered his ERA to 2.32, which is tops among all Phillies starters.
2. The replacements.
Who needs injured All-Stars Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco? Center fielder John Mayberry Jr. had a career-high four RBIs and three doubles; third baseman Michael Martinez had four hits. Each super-sub made a spectacular catch.
3. Simply offensive.
The Phillies’ much maligned offense banged out a season-high 20 hits and 14 runs. Everyone in the starting lineup had a hit, except Cole Hamels. Raul Ibanez had a season-high six RBIs, and Domonic Brown had three hits and two RBIs. Do the Phils need a right-handed bat after such an explosion? Yes.
