Cliff Lee Aims To Tie Series Up In Game Two Against D-backs

The Phillies were unable to mount a complete comeback win last night as they fell to the D-backs 5-4 in the series opener. Roberto Hernandez took his first loss of the season as he allowed four runs in six innings. Despite striking out five and walking two, the right hander was unable to keep runners from scoring. The Phils made a late strike at a comeback with a three-run seventh and one-run ninth, but it was not enough. Back under .500, the Phils will send Cliff Lee (3-2, 3.09 ERA) to the mound in game two against Bronson Arroyo (1-2, 9.50 ERA).

Cliff Lee has been spectacular in his last four starts, allowing four runs (1.20 ERA). In that span of 30 innings, Lee has struck out 37 batters and walked just one. His last time out, against the Dodgers on Monday night, Lee dazzled through eight, four-hit innings while striking out 10 to get the win. Lee will look to continue his dominance as he takes on a D-backs lineup that is 2-11 at home. Lee has a good career record against Arizona, a tally of 4-1 with 2.93 ERA in 43 innings against them.

Bronson Arroyo is looking for his first home win of the year and his second as a D-back. Struggling with a bulging disc in his back in spring, the injury set Arroyo back and he has not been too sharp to begin the season. In four starts, Arroyo has pitched a total of 18 innings and has allowed 19 earned runs – including five in his last time out against the Cubs. Arroyo tossed 5 1/3 against Chicago and took the loss. Arroyo is no stranger to Philadelphia, the veteran is 4-7 with a 5.35 ERA in 70+ innings against them in his lifetime.

Game Notes: 

• In 35 innings pitched this season, Cliff Lee has walked just two batters while striking out 38 for a 19:1 K/BB ratio.
• Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley have started 1,088 games together as a double-play combination, the most among all active combinations in the MLB.
• Arizona won just their second home game of 2014 last night.

Tonight's Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Freddy Galvis 3B
9. Cliff Lee P.

D-backs lineup:

1. A.J. Pollock CF
2. Martin Prado 3B
3. Paul Goldschmidt 1B
4. Miguel Montero C
5. Aaron Hill 2B
6. Cody Ross LF
7. Gerardo Parra RF
8. Chris Owings SS
9. Bronson Arroyo P.

First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: CSN

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.