Hamels shows why he is an ace

It was ace number four's turn to pitch a gem.

Cole Hamels, who struggled in his first outing, threw seven shut out innings in a 3-0 Phillies win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

Ryan Madson pitched a solid eighth inning and Jose Contreras came on to get his second save.

This series was a big as an early season series can be.

Because of multiple injuries to the Phillies, the Braves had become a trendy pick to win the NL East.


After losing the first game of the series, the Phillies won the next two.

The Phils are now 7-2 while the Braves fell to 4-6.

Hamels was masterful, striking out eight and allowing only four hits.

The Phillies head to Washington starting a three game series that begins Tuesday.

Joe Blanton will start the first game and then the Phillies will get back to their aces pitching. Roy Halladay will pitch game two and Cliff Lee will pitch game three.

Maybe Jayson Werth and Lee can continue their conversation...