Philadelphia Phillies 3, Colorado Rockies 1
Cliff Lee has been everything the Phillies have expected thus far. In his second start, and first in front of his new home crowd, Lee dazzled with seven strong innings as the Phillies defeated the Rockies 3-1. It was a close game all afternoon and the Phils got the timely hits they needed to secure back-to-back wins and a series victory against Colorado. Now they will prepare for the second place Marlins to come to town, fresh off of a sweep at the hands of the Nationals.
Lee (9-9) came out with some early jitters as he surrendered a run on several hits in the first inning. However, he settled down after that point, scattering four hits and a walk while striking out nine. He gave the bullpen another lift, completing seven innings after J.A. Happ's complete game last night. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge pitched an inning each with relative ease, to seal the Phillies' 61st win of the season. They are now 61-45 overall, and have rebuilt a seven-game lead in the NL East.
Aaron Cook (10-4) was the hard-luck loser in the game, as he pitched well. Cook gave up three runs in five innings and kept his team in the game, before departing with an injury. Without the run support, he lost his fourth game of the season and the Rockies dropped their second game in a row. Jimmy Rollins was a star at the plate for the Phillies as he went 3-for-4 and scored two runs. Paul Bako provided the go-ahead run with a homer in the fifth, his first as a Phillie.
This was a big series win for the Phillies as they came out punchless in the first affair. The team got solid pitching efforts from Happ and Lee to climb back into a more comfortable position in the standings. Now, with the Marlins series looming, their objective is clear: win another series. However, for now, the Phillies can enjoy back-to-back wins for the first time since last week in Arizona.
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