Hellickson struggles with command as Phillies fall to Cubs

By: Rebecca Serad, Sports Talk Philly Staff

Final: Chicago Cubs 8, Philadelphia Phillies 3 ❖ Attendance: 38, 660

CHICAGO — The Philadelphia Phillies (12-13) were looking to build upon last night's big win over the Chicago Cubs (14-12). That, however, was not how tonight's game panned out. Phils starter Jeremy Hellickson looked nothing like the pitcher who was 4-0 coming into tonight's game. He struggled with his command, only lasting four innings and throwing 96 pitches. Hellickson allowed six runs, including three home-runs, bringing his ERA up from 1.80 to 3.18.

The Phillies' offense failed to do its job tonight. The Phils were walked five times by Cubs starter Jon Lester, and yet, they didn't capitalize on the opportunities that they were given. They only had four hits against the Cubs righty, two of which were by Aaron Altherr. The team was 0-6 with runners in scoring position, and failed to record a hit against the Cubs' bullpen.

WP: Jon Lester (1-1, 3.67 ERA) ❖ LP: Jeremy Hellickson (4-1, 3.18 ERA)

Hub: Game Summary ❖ Starting Pitchers ❖ At the Plate ❖ Bullpen ❖ What's Next

Game Summary

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
PHI	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	3	4	0
CHC	1	0	1	4	2	0	0	0	X	8	11	1

The Phillies offense struck first. After a ground out by Cesar Hernandez to lead off the game, left fielder Aaron Altherr homered to left-center field. The next two batters were retired in order, but the Phils were on the board. It was the third game in a row in which the Phillies scored in the first inning.

The Cubs fought back in the bottom of the frame. With one out, third baseman Kris Bryant hit a home-run to left field to tie the game. Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson was able to get both Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist to fly out to end the inning.

The tie was broken in the bottom of the third. Javier Baez blasted a ball into the left field seats for his third homer of the season. Two outs later, Rizzo and Zobrist were both walked to put runners on first and second. During the at-bat of Addison Russell, a balk was called on Hellickson and the runners advanced to second and third. Fortunately, Hellickson got Russell to fly out to center to avoid any more damage.

The fourth inning brought a key scoring opportunity for the Phils. With one out, Michael Saunders reached base on an infield single. First baseman Tommy Joseph followed with a double into the right field corner to score Saunders. Freddy Galvis grounded out for the second out of the inning to bring Cameron Rupp to the plate. He was intentionally walked to bring Hellickson to the plate. Hellickson was retired to end the inning and the Phillies were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Cubs broke the tie in a big way in the bottom half of the inning. With two outs, Jon Lester and Baez hit back to back singles to put runners on first and second for Kyle Schwarber. He homered to right field to knock in three runs. Bryant followed with a triple to right field. Rizzo was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and third for Zobrist. He doubled to right field. Bryant scored on the play, but an excellent throw by Saunders got Rizzo at the plate to end the inning.

The Phillies chipped at the Cubs' lead in the top of the fifth. Hernandez reached on an error to lead off the inning. Altherr walked to put runners on first and second. One out later, Maikel Franco walked to load the bases. Saunders grounded out to first, but Hernandez was able to score on the play for the Phils' third run of the day. Joseph struck out to end the inning and two more runners were left on base.

The Cubs added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth. Russell led off the inning with a walk. One out later, Russell advanced to second on a wild pitch during the at bat of Wilson Contreras. He walked to put runners on first and second with one out. Pinch-hitter Jon Jay lined out to center and it seemed like the Phillies could get out of the inning. That was not the case. Baez tripled to right field and both Russell and Contreras scored. Schwarber was retired on a fly out to end the inning, but the damage had already been done.

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