--LHP Cole Hamels became the first Phillies lefty to throw a shutout since Randy Wolf on April 24, 2004. Hamels delivered a scintillating performance Thursday night, holding the Braves to four hits and throwing 120 pitches.

Pitching coach Rich Dubee said Hamels' fastball had "extra quickness" and described his changeup as "lethal." Hamels, who also had two hits to raise his average to .320 (8-for-25), had only six strikeouts. At one point, he retired 15 consecutive batters to earn his first career shutout. "It's one of those monkeys that's been on my back," Hamels said. "It's definitely the best I've pitched so far this year. Anytime I'm able to keep my pitch count under 110 after the eighth inning, I think I'm capable of pitching the ninth."

--1B Ryan Howard continued to show signs of snapping out of his early-season slump, extending his hitting streak to seven games with a third-inning solo home run Thursday night against Braves LHP Chuck James. Howard finished 1-for-3 to raise his average to .185. Over the past seven games, Howard is 8-for-28 (.286) with three home runs and six RBIs.

--3B Pedro Feliz swatted his sixth homer of the season Thursday night, a solo shot to open the second inning. He nearly had another home run, but his drive ricocheted off the top of the left-field wall for an RBI single. After a slow start (he was batting .200 on May 1), Feliz is 14-for-42 (.333) with three home runs and eight RBIs in his last 12 games.

--RHP Scott Mathieson underwent his second Tommy John elbow surgery in less than three years Thursday. The recovery is expected to take at least one year, likely longer. Mathieson, 24, also underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2006. Last September, he had a less invasive procedure on his elbow. The Phillies were hopeful he'd be able to contribute to their bullpen this season, but he began experiencing discomfort while long-tossing last month. The surgery was performed Thursday by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Phillies trainer Scott Sheridan said the odds of pitching again after a second Tommy John surgery drop to about 30 percent.

--RHP Kris Benson is slated to pitch a simulated game May 26 in Clearwater, Fla., according to Phillies GM Pat Gillick. Benson's comeback from rotator cuff surgery 14 months ago has been slowed by a groin strain, but Gillick said the Phillies remain hopeful he'll be ready to pitch in the majors between June 15 and July 15. Benson signed a minor league contract in February.

BY THE NUMBERS
183 -- Road victories for the Phillies since the start of the 2004 season, most in the NL.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"He gets us going. He charges us up. For a short period of time, guys like (Jimmy) Rollins and (Chase) Utley can be replaced. Over a long time, it's a different story." -- Manager Charlie Manuel on SS Jimmy Rollins' return to the Phillies' lineup after missing time with a sprained left ankle.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.