I will go on record that I am not a fan of how Charlie Manuel uses the bullpen.  Never have been.  But tonight, he used it correctly.

On a night when Cole Hamels was on fire, (ok, so that can be said about his month of August,) the Phillies offense did it’s job.

The second inning featured John Mayberry Jr. hitting a 2-run shot and Erik Kratz following with a solo-shot.  In the 3rd inning, Chase Utley hit a double, which Ryan Howard immediately drove in with his own double.

Cole Hamels biggest Achille’s heel throughout his career has been his penchant for giving up the long ball, and tonight that was still true.

He gave up a solo shot to Aramis Ramirez in the 2nd and a 2-run homer to Ryan Braun in the bottom of the 8th.  (Which begs the question, why does anyone pitch to Braun? Ever?)

The Braun homer forced Hamels out of the game.  He struck out 10 and walked 1 over 7.2 innings.

The problem with Hamels leaving, meant that the bullpen was entering.  We lost a game the first game of this series because of that exact same issue.

Luckily, Charlie decided to make the correct move and bring in the highest paid reliever in the history of baseball.  I know, there are two shocking moves here:

1) Charlie Manuel used the bullpen correctly

and

2) Jonathan Papelbon still plays for the Phillies.  Contrary to popular beliefs, he is still alive and still in the Phillies bullpen.  And Charlie remembered that!

Papelbon gave us a drama-free (!!!!) 4-out save, and secured Cole Hamels 14th W of the year.

Oh, and he gave the strangest interview after the game, and well, he looked, well, judge for yourself…

Karilee Jeantet is Lead Contributor for A View From Section 116.  Follow her on Twitter @kjeantet and @viewfromsec116 and e-mail her AViewFromSection116@gmail.com.