A muggy night in Philly brought about the start of a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Cliff Lee was looking for his fifth win on the season, while the Phillies were looking to gain some ground in the wildcard race.
Cliff didn't have a simple first inning. Carlos Gonzalez doubled with Rutledge on base, bringing him around to score. Wilin Rosario singled after that, scoring CarGo. 2-0 Rockies.
Through the next six innings, nothing happened. Nothing at all. The Phillies simply could not score a run against Jeff Francis as he pitched his 86 innings tonight, 11 more than Jim Tracy would have liked.
Finally, the Phillies got something cooking in the seventh inning. Pete Orr reached on an infield single, followed by a single from Juan Pierre. Chase Utley walked, loading the bases for Laynce Nix. With two outs, Nix doubled to deep right, bringing home Orr and Pierre. Tied ballgame. John Mayberry ended the inning with a pop-up.
Phillippe Aumont pitched a beautiful 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out two, both swinging. That curveball is looking nastier and nastier, huh?
Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth inning, giving the Phillies a chance to come back in the bottom of the ninth in a tied game.
Nate Schierholtz came in to pinch-hit with runners on the corners and one out. Nate didn't disappoint, he sent a single up to right field, sending Rollins home from third. Phillies win, 3-2.
Tomorrow night at 7:05, Tyler Chatwood will make the start for Colorado against Cole Hamels.
Jeff Francis pitched 86 innings tonight? Wow. Now that's a record that will never be broken. But will the players be ready for the next one after an 86-inning game?
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