The weather is starting to chill out, so it must be time for Cole Hamels to heat up.

Mr. October is back.

Hamels took the mound for the Phillies last night and was perfect for five innings, quickly buzzing through the first 15 batters he faced.

Hamels struck out 10 as the Phils rolled to their fifth straight win, beating the hapless Nationals, 4-2.

Hamels even helped his own cause, driving in a run in the sixth by singling with the bases loaded.

The lefty entered the season as the unquestioned ace of the Phillies’
staff, coming off MVP efforts in both the NLCS and the World Series.

But he struggled much of the year, admitting he wasn’t really ready for spring training and at the beginning of the season.

He’s on fire now. Hamels is now 10-9 on the season after giving up just one run and five hits over eight innings.

Welcome back, Mr. October.

Meanwhile, across the street, the mystery over who will be Mr. Sept. 20 continues to swirl around the Eagles.

Will it be Kevin Kolb under center when the Eagles face the Saints in their home opener Sunday? Or will Donovan McNabb try to gut it out with a fractured rib. And if Andy Reid goes with Kolb, how long a leash (sorry about that, Mr. Vick) does he give him. Will he go to Jeff Garcia if Kolb struggles in the first half and continues his penchant for turning the ball over? Yesterday offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was saying that if Kolb starts, he will be the guy all day. Everyone who believes that raise your hand. Thought so.

This one sounds like a game day decision.

Has Hamels ever played quarterback?

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