Photo Credit: Frank Klose
Last night, Cliff Lee was the absolute center of attention following the Philies' 12-2 routing of the Marlins. His 3 hits, 4 RBIs, 8 innings, and 14 K's were outstanding, and his performance out-shined all else. Hiding under Lee's shadow was another household name: Chase Utley. A 4 RBI night capped off with a three-run homerun was still barely mentioned by fans and the media. Seemingly bothered by the lack of attention, "The Man" went back out tonight and did it again. With Roy Halladay putting together a quality start, the combination bode well for the Phillies.
Roy Halladay began the game pretty well, albeit against the lowly Marlins squad. Through the first three innings, he allowed just two baserunners with only a single walk given up. Then in the third, Chase Utley started the process of leading the team to victory. Cesar Hernandez and Jimmy Rollins had already singled before Utley stepped to the plate. He would come through with an RBI single of his own that ended with him on second after the throw. Carlos Ruiz would also continue to raise his average and RBI totals by collecting a 2-run single that put the Phillies lead at 3-0.
Doc would give up his first run of the game in the fifth. Donovan Solano had doubled with two away, and Ed Lucas came through with an RBI single. Halladay would give up a walk next, but set down Giancalo Stanton on strikes to hold the scoring to just one.
Chase Utley made sure to take those runs right back in the bottom half of the inning. It began the same way it in the third inning. With one out, Hernandez and Rollins each singled once again. Facing the same opportunity, Chase Utley blasted a three-run shot into the right field seats for his second consecutive such hit in as many games. 6-1 Philly.
Roy Halladay's night came to an end after six inning. Three walks and just one run allowed were solid, especially compared to his previous outings. Hopefully it is a boost for Doc headed into the end of the season. The lead was almost lost, though, when B.J. Rosenberg came in for the eighth. With Christian Yelich at second and one away, Justin Ruggiano doubled home te Marlins' second run of the night. Adam Hechavarria singled later in the inning to put the score at 6-3, but Jake Diekman was brought in to finish off the frame with no more damage.
The Marlins would tack on one more run in the top of the ninth. Three straight singles by the team off Jonathan Papelbon allowed the fourth run to score, but 58 closed things off and completed the Phillies' victory. With the 6-4 score, the Phillies won their seventh consecutive game over the Marlins, and their eleventh win of the season over them. Chase Utley led the way, recording another 4 RBIs and a second three-run homerun. He will look to do it once more tomorrow night. Kyle Kendrick was slated to begin that game, but a shoulder injury has given Zach Miner the start against Nathan Eovaldi at 7:05
