"Shane Victorino spoke for an entire organization and legions of Phillies fans after the team's 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

"Hopefully we can keep that Cole the rest of the way," he said.

Victorino's two-run homer in the eighth inning broke a 1-1 tie and helped propel the Phillies to their majors-best 84th victory, but the story of this night was Cole Hamels, and the smile on his face after the game, not to mention his efficient work on the mound, made it a feel-good story.

Hamels had been sidelined for 17 days with shoulder inflammation that eventually landed him on the disabled list.

There is always some uncertainty and apprehension whenever a pitcher returns to the mound after a health problem, no matter how minor. And when that pitcher is as important to a team's championship chances as Hamels is to the Phillies', there is a great feeling of relief when he checks out A-OK.

"Getting him back and having him sharp is definitely good for us," Victorino said. "He was very sharp. He didn't look like a guy who'd been on the DL."

Hamels pitched six innings, allowed just two hits and a run, walked none and struck out seven. The left-hander could have pitched deeper into the game, but manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee decided 76 pitches was enough for the first time back. They saw what they wanted to see: Good health and good life on Hamels' pitches. His fastball reached 92 mph and his changeup was the out pitch that it has always been."