Phillies Notes: Hamels has hard time with Hairston, LaRoche

WASHINGTON - Phillies lefthander Cole Hamels has dominated many hitters, but Washington journeyman leftfielder Scott Hairston isn't one of them.

Hairston proved to be a nemesis again Sunday by belting a game-deciding sacrifice fly that almost left the park in the sixth inning of Washington's 3-2 win over the Phillies at Nationals Park.

"I thought it was a homer," Hamels said.

For his career, Hairston is 18 for 48 (.375) with five home runs and 10 RBIs against Hamels.

"When he played for the Padres and Mets, he put up some pretty good numbers," Hamels said. "I guess I'll be happy the day he retires."

Hairston has only 69 at-bats this season, with 10 of them against Hamels. When asked to explain his success against the Phillies ace, the 34-year-old Hairston was left searching for an explanation.

"I don't know," he said. "I really can't tell you. . . . I see the ball pretty good against him. He has great stuff."

The Nationals' hitting star on Sunday, Adam LaRoche, also has enjoyed a measure of success against the lefty. LaRoche hit two solo home runs against Hamels and is now 12 for 43 for his career with six home runs and nine RBIs against him.

Since the beginning of 2011, LaRoche had one home run and one RBI vs. Hamels until Sunday.

The Phillies won the season series against Washington, 10-9.

"I guess I am glad we don't have to play them anymore," Hamels said.

During Friday's 9-8 Phillies win in 11 innings, reliever Mike Adams made his first appearance since June 6 because of inflammation in his right rotator cuff. He allowed all three batters he faced to reach base.

Adams faced just one batter Sunday but got Jayson Werth to hit into an inning-ending double play.

"I looked at video and noticed right away what I was doing wrong," Adams said. "I was able to make the adjustment. It feels good to be back out there."

Righthander Jerome Williams, who is 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts after being released by Houston and Texas this year, wouldn't mind an extended stay in Philadelphia.

"I hope to come back to this team" next year, said Williams, 32. "I love the organization, the guys, and the atmosphere."