A rubber match game on a Sunday afternoon brought about a battle between Cole Hamels and James Shields. The Phillies looked to take the series from the Royals, and it wouldn't be an easy task.
The Phils looked hot in the bottom of the first after taking a 4-0 lead. Ben Revere, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley singled to kick off the inning, Utley's single bringing home Revere. Michael Young singled to send Rollins home, followed by another single from Domonic Brown which plated Utley. Young was able to score on a sacrifice fly from Erik Kratz.
In the top of the third, Hamels started to struggle and allowed two runs to score in the inning; Chris Getz scored on a double from Alcides Escobar, and Alex Gordon scored on a groundout from Billy Butler.
Billy Butler came through for the Royals in the top of the fifth. After Hamels loaded the bases on a double from Getz, a single from Gordon, and a walk to Escobar, Billy Butler took Hamels deep for a grandslam to the flower beds in left field. It was ruled a double before the play went under review and Butler was awarded with his first career grand slam. 6-4 Royals.
After Alex Gordon doubled in the top of the sixth, Charlie Manuel took Hamels out. 106 pitches and 5.2 innings of work combined with eight earned runs (two came after being taken out) on nine hits, four walks and six strikeouts makes for a shaky day for Cole Hamels.
With two men in scoring position, Chad Durbin walked Escobar to load the bases. Billy Butler made it an 8-4 game after sending a single to center. 7 RBI today for Butler.
Tim Collins came in for the seventh to relieve James Shields and struck out the side consisting of Rollins, Utley, and Howard. Ugly.
In the top of the eighth, Jeremy Horst allowed a run to score; Gordon singled to bring home Jarrod Dyson from second. 9-4 Royals.
Phillippe Aumont loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with a hit and two walks, but struck out Getz to end the inning.
Ezequiel Carrera walked to lead off the bottom of the ninth, followed by a single from Ben Revere. Jimmy Rollins made it a 9-7 ballgame after launching a three-run homer to the seats in right field. It was Rollins' first homer of the season.
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard combined for back-to-back singles, and Laynce Nix came through with an RBI single, brining them within one. A wild pitch to Kratz put Utley and Nix in scoring position, but Kratz struck out swinging to end the ballgame. Royals win, 9-8.
The Phillies and Mets will meet for the first time this season starting tomorrow at 7:05 at Citizens Bank Park. Roy Halladay will take the hill against Matt Harvey.
