Cole Hamels picked up right where he left off in the rain last October.
In his first start since winning World Series MVP honors, Hamels tossed two scoreless innings Wednesday for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 9-2 victory over Canada’s World Baseball Classic team at Clearwater, Fla.
“It was nice to get out there against a team that’s competitive,” said Hamels, who went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five postseason starts last year. “These hitters are getting ready for the world classic and they want to be in prime hitting shape.”
Hamels last pitched on that soggy night in October, when Game 5 against Tampa Bay was suspended in the sixth inning. Against Canada, the 25-year-old lefty breezed through his outing on 24 pitches.
The Phillies held Hamels back earlier this spring because he threw a career-high 262 1-3 innings in the regular season and postseason combined last year, more than any other pitcher in baseball.
n inning-ending double play. In the second, Hamels retired three of four batters, including Phillies teammate Matt Stairs, who grounded out.
Hamels is scheduled to start the season opener for the World Series champions, April 5 against Atlanta. It will be the first opening day start of his career.
“You’re always got something to prove,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “When the day comes where you don’t have anything to prove, you’ll go backward.”
The New York Mets and Cleveland Indians also got good news on the mound.
Johan Santana threw 46 pitches in his most ambitious and productive bullpen session since the start of spring training, and made it clear he wants to start for the Mets on April 6 in Cincinnati despite concerns over his tender elbow.
“I appreciate everything they’re doing trying to protect me and trying to keep me healthy,” Santana said in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “But I’m a professional and I know exactly what it takes for me to be ready. I’ve been doing this for years now and I know exactly what I have to do and I’m pretty sure I’ll be ready for opening day.”
At Goodyear, Ariz., Kerry Wood reported no problems with his aching back after pitching batting practice for the first time, and the Indians’ new closer appears to be on track to start the season.
der, striking out David Dellucci and Andy Marte.
“It felt good to face hitters,” Wood said.
The back began bothering Wood, who has a long history of arm problems, last week. He missed a couple of bullpen sessions, but threw off the mound Sunday. Wood is scheduled to pitch in his first game of the spring Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
In other news:
-Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a $45 million, two-year contract that keeps him with the NL West champions. The slugger can void the second season of the deal and again become a free agent.
-Ken Griffey Jr. returned to Seattle’s lineup for the first time this spring, serving as the designated hitter against Australia’s World Baseball Classic team.
-Rays manager Joe Maddon picked James Shields to start on opening day for the AL champions.
-Justin Duchscherer will get a second opinion on his sore right elbow from Dr. Lewis Yocum, and it’s uncertain whether the Oakland pitcher will be ready to begin the season.
“His opening day start is definitely in jeopardy,” manager Bob Geren said in Phoenix.
Duchscherer, yet to appear in a spring training game, had an MRI exam Tuesday and it showed no significant damage. A doctor recommended the two-time All-Star rest his arm for a week.
houlder, another setback for the pitcher plagued by injuries the past two seasons.
-Mike Rizzo will assume day-to-day control of Washington’s major league operations after the sudden resignation of general manager Jim Bowden.
Team president Stan Kasten made the announcement, but said he will have final say on personnel matters while the Nationals wait to permanently fill the GM vacancy. Rizzo has been an assistant GM and vice president of baseball operations since 2006. He came to Washington from the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he was praised for creating a minor league system that produced a number of talented prospects.
Orioles 6, Dominican Republic 1
At Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Koji Uehara pitched three scoreless innings against a Dominican Republic squad playing without Alex Rodriguez, who flew to Colorado to have his hip examined by a specialist.
Angels 13, South Africa 6
At Tempe, Ariz., Joe Saunders pitched two scoreless and pain-free innings for the Angels.
Indians 5, Cubs (ss) 4
At Goodyear, Ariz., Milton Bradley (quadriceps) was back in the Cubs’ lineup for the first time in nearly a week and had a double in three at-bats.
Astros 4, Venezuela 4
At Kissimmee, Fla., Miguel Cabrera had a two-run single and Jose Lopez hit a two-run double for Venezuela.
Athletics 7, White Sox (ss) 2
nnings for Oakland.
Rangers 5, Royals 3
At Surprise, Ariz., Kevin Millwood pitched three scoreless innings for Texas. Justin Smoak, the Rangers’ first-round draft pick in 2008, hit a three-run homer.
Panama 9, Tigers 3
At Lakeland, Fla., prized prospect Rick Porcello pitched out of trouble in two scoreless innings for Detroit.
Blue Jays 6, United States 5
At Dunedin, Fla., Brad Mills and Matt Clement combined for six innings of one-hit ball for Toronto. Jimmy Rollins had a two-run double for the United States.
Nationals 6, Mets 4
At Viera, Fla., Mike Pelfrey gave up a two-run homer to Washington’s Nick Johnson, his second in three games.
Reds 4, Netherlands 3, 10 innings
At Sarasota, Fla., Alex Gonzalez singled in two at-bats as the Reds’ designated hitter after missing last season with a knee injury. Jay Bruce homered for the second consecutive day.
Italy 5, Marlins 1
At Jupiter, Fla., Josh Johnson allowed one run in four innings for the Marlins. Johnson has pitched seven innings over two games this spring, giving up one run and no walks while striking out seven.
Braves 3, Yankees 2
At Kissimmee, Fla., Atlanta starter Kenshin Kawakami had his second scoreless outing of the spring, going three innings without allowing a hit. Johnny Damon had an RBI triple for New York.
Pirates 2, Twins 1
n, Fla., Andy LaRoche hit a two-run homer off R.A. Dickey.
Giants 10, Dodgers 8
At Phoenix, Barry Zito threw 45 pitches in 2 2-3 innings for San Francisco. He allowed three runs, including a wind-aided, two-run homer by Andre Ethier. Rich Aurilia, Pablo Sandoval and Jesus Guzman homered for the Giants.
Add A Comment