6th inning: Tampa Bay had Pena on first, Phillies pitcher Hamels winds up - the runner goes - and Hamels throws to first who then throws Pena out at second. But was it a balk?

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Hirsute.

it was a balk. hamels wasn't "set," but his step was deliberate towards the plate, not 1B. the balk was not called, however, and i honestly don't think you can blame any one miscue like that for a team winning or losing.

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Unfortunately, it was a judgement call that the umps didn't make. The bottom line is that Cole Hamels was money in the bank for 7 innings for the Phillies in Game 1 of the World Series, while the Drew Carey-looking Joe Maddon might be second guessed for starting Scott Kazmir in Game 1 last night instead of tonight's starter in Game 2, James Shields. If recent MLB history means anything, 10 of the last 11 teams that have won the World Series won Game 1. Besides, the Phillies have stolen home field advantage away from the Rays as a result of their 3-2 triumph in Game 1.

Cole Hamels is white, not balck.

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