The Phils’ offense goes back into hibernation as they lose to the Cubs, 5-1.
The Phils’ offense return to hibernation as they drop the series opener to the Cubs, 5-1.
The Cubs took the lead in the fourth as, with a man on second, and with one man out, Starlin Castro hits an RBI bloop single to center, scoring Tony Campana, who had earlier reached base with a bunt single, then stole second base, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. The Cubs added to their lead in the sixth as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Alfonso Soriano hits an RBI single, knocking in Campana, who had earlier singled, then stopped at third base on Bryan LaHair’s single, giving the Cubs a 2-0 lead, while sending LaHair, who had just singled, on to second base. The Cubs then took a 3-0 lead as Ian Stewart hits an RBI double, scoring LaHair, while sending Soriano over to third base. The Phils would finally get on the scoreboard in the seventh as, with one man out, Ty Wigginton hits a solo home run, his second home run of the year, making it 3-1 Cubs’ lead. The Cubs would get the run back in the ninth as, with a man on first, and with two men out, Reed Johnson hits an RBI triple, knocking in Geovany Soto, who had just walked, giving the Cubs a 4-1 lead. The Cubs then made it a 5-1 lead as David DeJesus hits an RBI triple, scoring Johnson. That would be the final score as Rafael Dolis recorded his first save of the season as he pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, getting Carlos Ruiz to end the game by lining out to center.
Roy Halladay (3-2, 1.95) took the lost as he went seven innings, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out five. Antonio Bastardo pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk. Michael Schwimer pitched an inning, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk. Paul Maholm (2-2, 6.20) got the win by pitching six and a third innings, giving up a run on five hits, striking out a batter. James Russell got his first hold of the year as he pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits. Rafael Dolis pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit.
The Phils had eight hits in the game, with Placido Polanco (Singles) and Ty Wigginton (Single, Home Run, RBI) both leading the team with two hits each. Juan Pierre (Single), Carlos Ruiz (Double), Freddy Galvis (Single) and pinch hitter John Mayberry, Jr. (Single), had the other four Phils’ hits, as the offense went silent again, putting Roy Halladay out to dry in the process.
The Phils (9-11, 4th East) will continue their wraparound series with the Cubs (7-13, 6th Central). The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will start at 7:05 pm EDT. The Phils will send to the mound Joe Blanton (1-3, 4.34), who is coming off a lost against the Padres on May 22, as he went six innings, giving up six runs, only four of which were earned, on seven hits and two walks, while striking out two, in the Phils’ 6-1 lost. He will be trying to improve his record, while hoping that the offense will be able to give him some run support. The Cubs will counter with Randy Wells (0-0, 3.60), who is coming off a no-decision against the Reds on April 22, as he went five innings, giving up two runs on six hits and five walks, while he struck out just two batters, in the Cubs’ 4-3 win. He will be trying to continue the Phils’ offensive woes. The Phils will be trying to get back the hot bats that they had been using in Phoenix, as they go to tie up the series.
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