The Phillies really needed Cole Hamels last night. He didn’t disappoint them.

Hamels was every bit the ace of the staff as he dazzled the outmatched Washington Nationals over a seven and a third innings. Hamels surrendered no runs on five hits, while striking out six and walking three. In the process he lowered his ERA to sterling 3.01.

The bullpen, J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin and Brad Lidge did their part, holding down the fort.

Hamels’ effort allowed the Phils to keep pace with the Mets, who also won. The Phils continue to trail by two games in the NL East.

And that brings us back to Hamels. And the Mets. It seems incredible, but the ace of the Phillies staff has not taken the mound against their No. 1 foe yet this season.

That might change this weekend when the Phils make their last appearance at decrepit Shea Stadium.

Kyle Kendrick is still listed as the Phils starter on Sunday. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that he won’t make it.

He shouldn’t. Hamels should.

The Phils have one more game tonight in D.C., then have a day off before spending the weekend in the Big Apple. That means Hamels would be available to take Kendrick’s start on Sunday.

Of course he would have to forego an extra day’s rest. Hamels has not exactly been enthusiastic about doing that in the past. In fact, we’ve criticized him for coming out of a game after seven strong innings, a game the Phils’ bullpen promptly surrendered.

After last night’s game, Hamels was playing it coy.

“I’m not going to give you guys an answer for that, sorry,” Hames told the assembled media.

Hamels has more than a little bit of the laid-back California cool in him. It might be one reason why Philly fans have not warmed to him the way you would expect them to.

He can change that on Sunday. Hamels needs to be on the hill.

After blathering a bit more about how good the extra day’s rest is for him, both physically and mentally, Hamels finally admitted the obvious.

“I know it’s go time,” he commented.

That should start on Sunday, Cole.