SEATTLE — Cole Hamels was more than good enough to move the Rangers even closer in the American League West race Tuesday night. He was also lucky to walk away from the outing under his own power.
Having survived a scary moment in which he took a screaming line drive to the left shoulder in Tuesday’s third inning, Hamels bounced to his feet and delivered a seven-inning performance that helped the Rangers pull within a game of first place for the first time since April 18. The veteran left-hander pitched seven strong innings in a 9-6 win over Seattle.
“I’ve been hit a few times; it’s the nature of the game,” Hamels said. “Luckily enough, (Tuesday’s line drive) hit the only muscle I have on me. I’m sure I’ll have a nice bruise.”
Whatever damage Hamels incurred — it’s not likely to affect his next start — the results could have been a lot worse.
Hamels retired the first six Seattle batters before the Mariners opened the third with a single and a walk. Catcher Jesus Sucre then stepped into the batter’s box and drilled a liner back up the middle. Hamels reacted in time to get enough of his glove on the ball to soften the blow, but the ball hit him squarely on the left side of his face. There was enough impact to send Hamels sprawling to the grass and bring a trainer out of the visiting dugout, but the left-hander got up quickly and offered a grin.
“He let us know quickly that he was OK,” manager Jeff Banister said afterward.
In the end, Hamels was able to turn in a solid performance that resulted in a victory and the Rangers pulling within a game of AL West-leading Houston. Hamels rolled through the first six innings before Seattle got to him for four hits and three runs in the seventh — by that time, Texas still had a 7-4 lead.
“They’ve been scoring runs,” Hamels said of a Rangers offense that led the way Tuesday night. “I don’t think I’ve helped myself in certain situations, but the team has picked me up.”