On paper, Cliff Lee vs. Madison Bumgarner seemed to be quite the pitching matchup. And, that's close to what we saw. Even though Bumgarner would go on to give up five runs, it did not feel like a large lead. Luckily for the Phillies, though, it was large enough to get their 15th win of the season. Here's how the Phillies were able to defeat the Giants, 6-2.
The top of the first inning occurred in typical Phillies fashion. Two straight outs by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley were quickly followed by two singles and a walk. With Michael Young, Ryan Howard, and Delmon Young all on base, Domonic Brown promptly grounded back to the mound to make the final out. Cliff Lee worked an effective 1-2-3 bottom of the inning.
In the second, John Mayberry singled to lead it off. Erik Kratz then grounded to Marco Scutaro, but an errant flip to Brandon Crawford allowed him to reach. Cliff Lee would then successfully convert his first sacrifice bunt of the season. After a Rollins popup, Utley walked to load the ases once again. Michael Young would deliver his second hit of the game, a double to right that scored two. After Utley's picture-worthy fall heading to third forced him to stay on base, a wild pitch allowed him to score. Howard's strike out ended the inning, but they take the lead. 3-0 Phillies. Lee would retire the first batter of the inning, but give up a solo homerun to former Phillie Hunter Pence after a questionable call on a 2-2 pitch. Two quiet outs would end the frame. 3-1 Phillies.
Both pitchers worked quick respective halves of the third inning. The only offense in the fourth came off the bat of Cliff Lee, you lined a single off Madison Bumgarner. Michael Young would hit a long double for his third hit in as many appearances in this game. Howard was able to move him over, then Delmon Young forced a sac fly to right. Brown followed that up with a bomb into McCovey Cove. 5-1 Phillies. 3 up, 3 down in the bottom of the fifth for Lee, who is dealing.
Once again, both pitchers showed their brilliance, working double 1-2-3 halves of the sixth inning. Chad Gaudin would come out to replace Bumgarner in the seventh. He would continue his season of impressive pitching, working the inning without much fuss. Lee would do the same. The seagulls then completely took over AT&T Park.
No hits for the Phillies in the top of the eighth off Gaudin. In the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies continued with their plans to remove Delmon Young late in ballgames. John Mayberry would move to right field, and Ben Revere came on to play center. At the plate, Pence would get his third hit of the game, a double to left. A single by Francisco Peguero combined with a Rollins error created the Giants second run. 5-2 Phillies.
Former Phillies prospect Jean Machi (yeah, I don't remember him either) would come on to pitch the ninth. Erik Kratz would begin it with a walk, and Freddy Galvis would secure a pinch-hit double, ending Cliff Lee's masterpiece. Rollins would line a sac fly to left, and the Phillies scored their sixth run. 6-2 Phillies. Jonathan Papelbon would close it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Phillies win 6-2 and move to 15-18 on the season.
The story of tonight's game? Clifton Phifer Lee. He was masterful, only giving up two runs and striking out six. He has been pitching well all year, but finally got the proper run support to provide a well-deserved win. Tomorrow, the Phillies look to at least win the series against former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Kyle Kendrick, the Phillies best starting pitcher this season, will look to help the cause. It'll be another late night, as the game is set for a 10:15 PM eastern start time. Make sure you work in those naps read our recap the next morning!
Andrew Gillen is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewJGillen
