Hamels Gets by With Some Help From His Friends

Cole Hamels wasn’t stellar for his second-straight start but got some help from his friends on his way to his second win.

Placido Polanco hit a go-ahead single and Chase Utley had a two-run homer to push the Phightins past the Nationals 7-4 in their home opener Monday.

The two-time defending NL champions are off to a 6-1 start, their best since opening the 1993 pennant-winning season 7-1.

Hamels (2-0) earned the win despite another so-so effort. He allowed four runs and six hits in 5 2-3 innings. The lanky left-hander is trying to bounce back following an inconsistent year after a dominant postseason in 2008.

Hamels' counterpart Jason Marquis was worse. The veteran right-hander gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 1-3 innings on his way to his second loss to the Phils this season.

Playing without Jimmy Rollins, a late scratch after straining his right calf, the Phillies continued their torrid hitting. They're averaging 7.1 runs and 11 hits per game.

Rollins wasn’t the only Phil bit by the injury bug. Right fielder Jayson Werth left the game after the fifth inning with a hip injury.