Cole Hamels cemented himself as the Phillies ace with an amazing postseason last year. Now he has to live up to the pressure of being the ace.
On Wednesday afternoon Hamels stepped to the mound for the first time since the World Series.
The game was only an exhibition against Team Canada but its hopefully a sign of what is to come for Hamels.
His line for the game: two innings pitched, two hits, one walk, no runs. He earned no decision because he left with the game tied at zero.
Not his best performance but a very promising start to the preseason.
The Phillies went on to beat down Team Canada 9-2 thanks to some hot bats.
Phils fans can rejoice in the performance of the outfielders.
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Starting left fielder Raul Ibanez put the Phils ahead for good with a bases-clearing double. John Mayberry, normally an outfielder, went yard as the designated hitter and right fielder Jeremy Slayden added a three-run blast.
First baseman Ryan Howard went 2-for-2 with an RBI single.
Click here for the full box score (it's fun just to see all the former Major Leaguers putting in time right now for the Phillies).
Next up for the Phillies is a short trip to Tampa on Thursday afternoon to take on the Yankees.
