Hamels yields 3 runs in Braves debut, a 5-1 loss to Orioles

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cole Hamels finally got on the mound in an Atlanta uniform, allowing three runs to the Baltimore Orioles before reaching his predetermined pitch count in the fourth inning, and the Braves struggled offensively in a 5-1 loss Wednesday night.

Rookie Keegan Akin struck out nine over five scoreless innings to earn his first big league victory and help the Orioles win the deciding matchup of a three-game set against the NL East leaders.

The Braves got only six hits — all of them singles — and their lone run scored on a balk. Atlanta hasn't won a series in Baltimore since 2004.

The 36-year-old Hamels signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in December and was expected to be a major contributor in the rotation. But he arrived at spring training with a sore shoulder and developed triceps tendinitis during summer camp before being placed on the 45-day injured list on the eve of the season opener.

Adding to Hamels' frustration was that he had made at least 20 starts in each of his previous 14 seasons. And so, after enduring the long, unfamiliar process of rehabilitating a significant injury, Hamels came off the IL on Wednesday and finally got to work.

The four-time All Star gave up a first-inning single and retired the side in order in the second before running into trouble in the third. Austin Hays hit a leadoff double and Hamels got an 0-2 count on No. 9 hitter Andrew Velazquez before issuing a walk. Hanser Alberto followed with an RBI double, José Iglesias hit a run-scoring grounder and Ryan Mountcastle delivered a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.

After finally getting the third out, Hamels slumped his shoulders and took about 10 steps toward the dugout. He then spun around and walked back to the mound to pick up his rosin bag, a habit that probably will take some getting used to for a pitcher not yet...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Hamels-yields-3-runs-in-Braves-debut-a-5-1-loss-15573583.php