Making his Texas Rangers debut tonight at Globe Life Park at Arlington, former Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels earned a no-decision after allowing five runs on eight hits and walk in seven and two-thirds innings on the mound.
Hamels' blockbuster trade to the Rangers was made official late Friday morning, just a few hours before the non-waiver trade deadline. Late-inning bullpen specialist Jake Diekman, as well as cash considerations, were also dealt to the Lone Star State as a part of the transaction.
The first two innings tonight for the southpaw carried on his dominant, no-hit performance at Chicago, which occurred a week ago today. Hamels struck out two opposing batters, and had thrown just 27 pitches, 17 of which were strikes.
A lead-off home run by Giants' first baseman Brandon Belt in the top of the third inning quickly ended hopes of a possible back-to-back historic outing for Hamels. With a runner on third and two outs, second baseman Joe Panik doubled to left field to tie the game at two. Third baseman Matt Duffy followed with a RBI-single, but was tagged out later in the play.
Over the next two innings, Hamels allowed a single but faced the minimum, six batters. His pitch count was at 57 pitches, 37 for strikes. Up to this point, he allowed three runs on five hits.
In the top of the sixth, Hamels struck out two opposing batters, center fielder Angel Pagan and Duffy, for his third and fourth strikeouts of the night. The next inning, catcher Buster Posey led off with a solo home run to pull the Giants within one run, 5-4. This was Posey's second career home run against Hamels in 28 at-bats.
After allowing a two-out double to Panik in the top of the eighth inning, up 7-4, Hamels was pulled by manager Jeff Banister. Reliever Tanner Scheppers took over in relief, but allowed Panik to score as well as two other Giants' runners to tie the game at seven.
Former Phillies left-hander Jake Diekman struck out pinch-hitter Gregor Blanco to end the San Francisco threat. Diekman made his Rangers debut yesterday, and has now thrown two combined scoreless innings of relief with his new club.
Because San Francisco tied the game at seven, the three-time All-Star was no longer able to win his Rangers debut. Hamels previously faced the Giants this season on July 10, allowing nine runs on 12 hits and two walks in just 3.1 innings.
In exchange for Diekman and the 2008 World Series MVP, the Phillies received veteran left-hander Matt Harrison and five prospects: top catching prospect Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams and right-handers Alec Asher, Jake Thompson and Jerad Eickhoff.
Harrison has since been placed on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation, and has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
Also from Matt Harrison: He's been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Hopes that is answer to his weight loss, back stiffness and lack of velo.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) August 1, 2015
Entering tonight, Hamels had just one career appearance at Globe Life, which occurred on June 28, 2008. He earned a winning decision over seven innings on the mound, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks.
All six of Hamels' strikeouts tonight were swinging strikes. Over his last five starts including tonight, Hamels has struck out 30 batters in 30.0 innings.
The Rangers fell to the Giants 9-7 in 11 innings.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
