Yesterday, the Phillies took the win the Cubs home opener. Today, the Phillies sent Cliff Lee to the hill looking to take the series. Lee took the win in the season opener against the Rangers even though he gave up eight runs. Lee was opposed by Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija pitched very well in season opener against the Pirates taking the no decision.
THE GAME: The Phillies started the first inning with a bang. With two out, Chase Utley turned on a pitch for his second home run in two days. 1-0 Phillies
The Phillies were back it in the fourth. After Chase Utley worked a walk, Ryan Howard hit a single on a ball that got away from the left fielder. After Marlon Byrd popped out, Domonic Brown hit a single driving in Utley. 2-0 Phillies
In the eighth, Chase Utley accomplished a career feat with his 300 career double. Unfortunately, it did not lead to any runs.
In the bottom of the ninth, Jonathan Papelbon came into close out the ball game. He was also looking for redemption after blowing the game against Rangers a few days ago. Papelbon closed the door going 123.
The other Phillies pitcher to appear in the game was Jake Diekman, who pitched a clean inning.
NOTABLE OFFENSE STATS:
Chase Utley 3-3, 2 R, RBI, BB
Ryan Howard 1-3, BB
Domonic Brown 1-2, RBI, 2 BB
IMPACT: Phillies took series with a stellar start from Cliff Lee. It was very good to see Lee rebound after his first start. Chase Utley has continued his hot start. In that period Chase is 10-21 hitting .476 with two home runs and two doubles.
UP NEXT: Tomorrow the Phillies will be looking from the sweep as they send AJ Burnett to the hill. In Burnett's first start, he went six innings and gave up one run. The Cubs will give the ball to Carlos Vilanueva. Vilanueva is 0-2 in two relief appearances with a 13.50 ERA in 1.1 innings. Game starts at 2:20 ET PM.
