Behind Cole Hamels, Phillies Streak to Fourth Win in a Row
At 12-5, Cole Hamels has already established himself as an elite starter in the NL. (AI Wire photo)
Cole Hamels pitched eight impressive innings, Tadahito Iguchi hit his first homer with Philadelphia and the Phillies upset Ted Lilly and the Chicago Cubs, 4-1, at Wrigley Field Monday night for their fourth straight win. It was the only game in the National League on the night.
Aaron Rowand also hit a three-run drive for the Phillies, who have won nine of 10 and trail the NL East-leading Mets by three games. Philadelphia was 8.5 games back of New York on June 2.
The Phillies also made a move before the game to strengthen their pitching staff, acquiring Kyle Lohse from the Cincinnati Reds for a minor leaguer.
Philadelphia was a slight underdog, rewarding its backers with a +108 payday on the moneyline (meaning a winning wager of $100 would net a $108 profit). In-game wagering was available for the contest through BodogLIVE.
Hamels (12-5) allowed one run and three hits, struck out eight and walked two. The 23-year-old lefthander retired nine of the first 10 batters he faced, and also set down his last nine batters.
Brett Myers pitched a perfect ninth to complete the three-hitter and earn his seventh save.
For complete MLB odds for Tuesday, visit the Bodog Sportsbook.