Chase Utley Drives in Four Runs, as Phillies Beat Cubs
By: Mike Reisman
Today, the Phillies had the opportunity to do something that they hadn't done since late May: Score more than five runs in consecutive games. After scoring seven runs yesterday, the Phillies looked to try to keep the momentum of three home runs, including a grand slam, going into today's late afternoon game. They would have Cliff Lee starting, and looking to improve his already stellar home record.
The Phillies jumped to an early lead off of a Chase Utley double in the 1st inning, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead. The Cubs would score their lone run against Cliff Lee in the 3rd on a single, cutting the Phillies lead in half. The Phillies would extend their lead in the 7th with a Ryan Howard single, and a Raul Ibanez double, giving the Phillies a three run lead. They would finish the scoring in the 8th with a Shane Victorino single, and Chase Utley's second homer of the year.
The game would end 7-1, with the Phillies on top. Cliff Lee's record would improve to 6-5, and 5-1 at home.
Chase Utley's performance today was certainly noteworthy, going 2-5, but with four RBIs and a home run. The FOX announcing crew made it a point to say that this was like the end of spring training for Utley, and if that is the case, Utley seems to be coming back well, showing some signs of coming back to normal despite his .242 average. Utley should be back to his normal greatness soon, assuming he doesn't hit any roadblocks along the way.
Cliff Lee also had a great game, striking out seven batters over eight innings. Lee only allowed one run on four hits, and walked two batters, while throwing nearly 70% strikes. Lee continued his dominance at Citizen's Bank Park, and he is now 5-1 at home with just a 2.17 ERA. Even more impressive is that his K/BB ratio is a fantastic 6.8 at home, as opposed to a much less impressive 3.25 on the road. Lee has been nearly unstoppable in Philadelphia, and it's no surprise that he wanted to come here.
The Phillies finish off their four game series tomorrow at 1:35, with Roy Oswalt taking the mound for the Phillies.