The Phillies and Giants decided to skip over September and go straight to October last night at Citizens Bank Park.

They decided to hold an early playoff game, which the Phils won in a tense, white-knuckle 1-0 pitcher’s duel.

No, that was not Steve Carlton on the mound for the Phils. It wasn’t even Cliff Lee.

It was Cole Hamels. Remember him? Tall, lanky kid, full of California cool. He was the stud of the Phils’ run through the playoffs and World Series last year.

But he’s struggled mightily this year, offering little other than a maddening inconsistency.

But in his last few starts he’s been showing signs of being the old Cole. And he put an exclamation point on that comeback last night.

Hamels surrendered only two hits in going the distance and shutting out San Francisco. After Ryan Garko led off the second with a double, Hamels stranded him there and mowed down the next 24 in a row. He’s now tossed
19 consecutive scoreless innings.

And it’s a good thing. The Phils’ bats were chillier than the crisp evening air in South Philly. They managed just one run when Ryan Howard doubled home Shane Victorino from third.

Hamels made sure that was all the Phils needed. Even the weather was a sneak peek at October.

Make it Red October. Just like last year. With a tall, lanky California kid leading the charge on the mound.