Division Hamels Style

Cole Hamels is definitely a Bro.  He came out in game 3 and pitched six shutout innings allowing five hits with eight strikeouts.  While the City of Brotherly Love watched on edge, Cole was cool as usual in the postseason.  The ugly Eagles loss to San Francisco combined with the Phillies loss in game two after giving Cliff Lee a four run lead created a city of worriment. 

Philadelphia should’ve known better.  Philadelphia has been through this before, specifically Cole Hamels pitching in a National League Division Series.  After last night, Cole Hamels stats for NLDS games now read as follows:

Games Started: 5
Complete Games: 1
Shutouts: 1
Innings Pitched: 34.2
ERA: 1.82
Hits: 22
HRs: 1
Strikeouts: 38
Walks: 8
WHIP: 0.865

Cole Hamels proved once again that he’s got mental fortitude far and above a perception of being soft that permeates his Philadelphia fanbase.  Sure, this guy is clean-cut and soft-spoken.  And, he’s from California.  He personality doesn’t portray a Philly-like scruffy, blue-collar image, but his work ethic does. 

Cole deviated off course following the World Series by getting consumed with the banquet circuit, but he’s been Bro enough to admit he made a mistake.  Since then, he’s been in great shape with a workout regimen that is rumored to sometimes include an hour of abs, alone, to strengthen his core and back.  He’s added a new pitch to his repertoire and has become one of the top three left-handers in the game, if not arguably the best.  Oh, and he was a World Series MVP.

So on October 4th, 2011, Cole Hames did what he always does in Division Series games….he was lights out and lights went out throughout Philadelphia with its fanbase sleeping easier than it had the night before.

Way to go, bro!