But the Chicago Cubs right-hander said he understood the rationale of manager Joe Maddon who didn't want a 5-2 lead to slip away.
"I felt like I had earned the right to get out of that situation," said Hammel, who worked four-plus innings and had no decision. "As a competitor I want to be out there and clean up my own mess.
"But I was able to talk with Joe, turn the page and the bottom line is we won the ballgame."
Right-handed deliver Justin Grimm (2-3) shut down that threat with a perfect fifth and the Cubs (59-48) held on for a 5-4 victory.
They also leapfrogged over the Giants (59-49) into the second wild card spot after the opener of a four-game series.
"(Hammel) had really good physical stuff from where I was sitting but the command was off a little with the fastball," said Maddon. "I did not want to let them back into that game right there. ... I knew the bullpen was rested, I knew we had the guys to do it."
Rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber's first career Wrigley Field home run helped lift the Cubs to an early lead on the way to the victory.
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