Cole finishes strong

On Sunday in Miami,  Cole Hamels won his final start of 2012 with a strong 7 innings against the Marlins, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walks, and striking out 8 in the Phillies' 4-1 win.  In his last 10 starts of the year, Hamels (17-6, 3.05) went 6-0 with a 2.38 ERA.  His 17 wins are a career high and matches Gavin Floyd's mark set in 2008 for HomeSiders in 1 season, and was #68 for our boys this year!  Antonio Bastardo threw a 1-2-3 8th inning, striking out 2 for his 26th hold of the year.  Carlos Ruiz was 3 for 4, including a double and his 68th RBI, raising his average to .330, which would be the best average of any HomeSider in the majors since we have been sending them!  Darin Ruf (.320) was 1 for 4, and Domonic Brown drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, as well as throwing out a runner at home.

In Cleveland, the Indians exploded for a 15-3 win over the Royals.  Lou Marson was 3 for 4 with a walk, an RBI, and 2 runs scored, and Jason Donald chipped in with a hit, an RBI and 2 runs scored of his own for the Tribe...........In Atlanta, Michael Bourn returned to the Braves' line up after sitting out a week, and had 2 hits, a walk, scored a run, stole his 40th base, and knocked in his 57th of the year as the Braves beat New York, 6-2.  The Braves are still alive in the hunt to catch Washington, trailing by 3 games with 3 games left.  Bourn is 1 stolen base behind Everth Cabrera of San Diego, as he bids for his 3rd NL stolen base crown...............In Toronto, the Yankees beat the Blue Jays, 9-6, to stay tied with Baltimore in AL East race.  Anthony Gose (.222) had a hit and a walk for the Jays...........In St Paul, the Tigers took a 2-1 win to stay on top by 2 games in the AL Central race.  Quintin Berry was 0 for 3, with a successful sacrifice bunt..........In Phoenix, the Diamondbacks beat the hapless Cubs, 7-2.  Mike Zagurski stuck out the only hitter he faced for the Snakes, and Adrian Cardenas had another pinch hit appearance for the Cubs, popping out in the 9th inning.  I am hoping the Cubs will play "A.C." in this final week of the year.


Getting back to Berry's bunt, which is a lost art in the majors these days. but "Q", along with Bourn and Gose can all get it done.  Maybe the former Claws can "bring the bunt back" to the big league game!