Phillies starter Cole Hamels lost his eighth game this afternoon as he was vastly out-dueled by Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg in the Nats’ 6-1 victory. Hamels allowed five runs (three earned) in 6.1 innings, striking out six and walking one as his ERA was actually lowered to 4.43. The first two months for Hamels have been shocking, reminiscent of his disappointing 2009 season in which he finished with a 4.32 ERA.
Hamels’ eighth loss leads all Major League starters, one ahead of Edwin Jackson and Joe Blanton. It has been an odd year for many assumed top-tier pitchers:
- Jeremy Hellickson, Rays: 2-2, 5.37 ERA
- David Price, Rays: 1-4, 5.24 ERA (on the 15-day DL with strained right triceps)
- Matt Cain, Giants: 3-2, 5.12 ERA
- Tim Hudson, Braves: 4-3, 4.98 ERA
- R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays: 4-6, 4.85 ERA
- Wade Miley, Diamondbacks: 3-4, 4.53 ERA
- Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: 3-4, 4.50 ERA
While Hamels has certainly not been nearly as effective as he has been in years past, you have to wonder how many wins he could have lucked into if he had received better run support.
Full meltdown here. Hamels in line for eighth loss. Phillies have scored 20 runs in 69 innings Hamels has pitched. Amazing.
— Matt Gelb (@magelb) May 26, 2013
