Hamels pitches into 8th inning in Rangers debut
Cole Hamels' debut wasn't ideal, but he was good enough to depart with a three-run lead against a familiar foe.
The Texas Rangers' newest weapon surrendered five runs on eight hits while striking out six over 7 2/3 innings of work Saturday against the San Francisco Giants.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Hamels was pitching with a comfortable 7-4 in the eighth inning, but got the hook from manager Jeff Banister after he issued a two-out double to Joe Panik. He received a standing ovation from the fans at Globe Life Park in Arlington and waved to the patrons as he strolled to the dugout.
"The excitement is great, being able to see the reception from the fans, that's why I play the game," Hamels said on the live TV broadcast following the contest.
Tanner Scheppers came on in relief but couldn't escape the frame, coughing up three runs - one of which Hamels was charged with - to allow the Giants to knot the contest at 7-7 and spoil Hamels' chances of a win.
Hamels, the first pitcher traded during a season immediately after tossing a no-hitter, was acquired in an eight-player deal Friday from the Philadelphia Phillies.
San Francisco would prevail 9-7 in 11 innings.