Mayberry, Kratz hit back-to-back homers in Hamels' 14th win

August 18, 2012

Box Score (Courtesy of ESPN.com)

CSNPhilly.com, US Presswire

The Phillies were losers of three straight going into Saturday night's game. But when Cole Hamels is starting, it is reasonable to think that the losing streak won't last.

Hamels threw consecutive complete game shutouts in his last two starts and had not allowed a run in the last 22 innings he has pitched.

The Cole Train gave up three runs to the Brewers. But with help from Jonathan Papelbon, the Phillies won 4-3 and Hamels earned his 14th win of the year.


The offense struck early.

In the second, John Mayberry Jr. and Erik Kratz hit back-to-back home runs to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead. Mayberry hit his homer with Laynce Nix on first.

Chase Utley singled to start off the top of the third. Then Ryan Howard hit a double to the right field wall to bring Utley home.

Milwaukee's runs were produced by a solo home run from Aramis Ramirez in the second, then a two-run shot from Ryan Braun in the eighth. Both home runs were hit off Hamels.

Hamels pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and three earned runs. He walked one and struckout an impressive 10 batters.

Jonathan Papelbon pitched in relief for Hamels, after he surrendured the home run to Ryan Braun with two out.

With the score 4-3 Phillies, Papelbon got the final out in the eighth, then retired the side in the ninth for his 27th save of the season.

Mike Fiers received the loss for Saturday night.

In five innings pitched for the Brewers, Fiers allowed five hits and four earned runs. He walked four and struck out five.

The Phillies will conclude their four game series with the Brewers on Sunday. Kyle Kendrick (5-9, 4.53 ERA) will oppose former Phillie Randy Wolf (3-9, 5.65 ERA).

Extras: Ramirez's home run in the second ended Hamels' scoreless inning streak at 23 innings pitched. Braun's two-run homer in the eighth marks his 33rd of the season, tying his home run total for his 2011 NL MVP campaign.