PBR - A day after the lineup produced a measly two hits, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel made a few switches to the batting order before Monday night in an effort to shake things up and find a rhythm anyway possible.
Well, let's just say Charlie knows best, because the offense broke right out of the gates with a four-run first inning that looked to be all the team would need.
However, even though the bullpen would come in and give up two runs late to allow the Cubs back in the game to make things interesting, that lineup would not disappoint, surging again in the eighth inning for two runs of its own to take the lead for good in a 6-4 victory over the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park.
In the eighth inning, Jimmy Rollins hit a single that advanced the go-ahead runner Juan Pierre from first-to-third setting up Placido Polanco, who ripped a game-winning double that cleared the bases and gave the Phillies a lead it would not relinquish.
Jonathon Papelbon came on in the ninth inning for his eighth save in as many opportunities for the Phillies (11-12) and secured the win.
Worley allowed just one run with five strikeouts over seven innings. In the no-decision, Worley pitched very well, helping his outstanding 1.97 ERA. He is now 9-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 18 starts since last season's All-Star break.
Against Cubs pitcher Chris Volstad, the Phils offense attacked early. Overall, the bats accounted for 11 hits total on the night, a big sign considering the lack of hits recently.
Carlos Ruiz hit a two-out slider for a two-run single that scored Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence before Pete Orr added a RBI single in the first inning to give the Phillies an early 4-0 jump. Ruiz was 1-for-3 with two RBI (10 RBI for season) while Pence finished 1-for-4 with a run scored.
Worley walked into trouble in the seventh with the bases jammed and no
out, but Polanco was quick to tag the bag and turn the 5-3 double play
despite Alfonso Soriano scoring from third.
Antonio Bastardo and Chad Qualls together pitched the eighth and gave
up two runs in the inning to let Chicago (8-15) tie the game, 4-4.
Volstad pitched six innings and allowing four runs with four strikeouts in the start. Bryan LaHair led Chicago offensively, going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run off Qualls in the eighth that tied the game.
Although Qualls gave up the homer and subsequently the win for Worley, he was actually awarded the win - his first as a Phillie.
Tomorrow, the team will back on the road in Atlanta for a three-game series against the Braves at Turner Field. Cole Hamels (3-1, 2.73 ERA) will be on the mound for the Phils against Atlanta starter Brandon Beachy (2-1, 1.05 ERA) with first pitch set for 7:10.
Tags
Phillies