Phils (Lack of) Offense Wastes Hamels' Gem

Cole Hamels was nearly unhittable Friday night in Pittsburgh. The problem was that the Phillies lineup -- “complete” for the first time this season -- was made to look foolish by a junk-baller and a bunch of relievers.

So despite Hamels giving up just one hit over eight innings he was left with a no decision as the Phils managed just one run off Pirates starter Jeff Karstens.

In the end, a 12th inning RBI single by Jose Tabata off Danys Baez (1-3), carried the Bucs to a 2-1 win.

Karstens, a career 15-31 pitcher, spread four hits and no walks over seven innings. Hamels was better, allowing just the one hit and three walks (one which led to the Bucs first run) but left after throwing 98 pitches.

Relievers Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes all struggled with their control but managed to combine for three scoreless innings before Baez allowed the game winning hit -- a squeaker to right that hopped over second baseman Chase Utley’s glove -- with two outs in the 12th.

Pirates’ reliever Daniel Moskos (1-0) put the Phils down in order in the 12th to take the win.

The Phillies offense complete stalled late in the game -- not managing a hit after the eighth. The offensive outage was despite this being the first time all season Charlie Manuel had all his regulars in the lineup.

The only guys who managed hits were Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Utley and Hamels (two hits). The 4-through-8 combo of Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Domonic Brown, Wilson Valdez and Carlos Ruiz combined to go 0-for-22 on the night.

The Phillies (34-23) send fill-in starter Kyle Kendrick (3-3, 3.18 ERA) to the hills Sunday to try and end the Phightins three-game losing streak. The Bucs will send righty Randy Wells (1-1, 5.40) to the hill.

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