Philadelphia Phillies rout New York Mets 9-2 as Cliff Lee records first win of the season - MLB
Finally starter Cliff Lee wins the first game of the season as he helps the Philadelphia Phillies defeat the New York Mets 9-2 at Citi Field, New York on July 4, 2012 in second game of the three match series.
Start of the game was slow as the first three innings went scoreless. Mets added one run in the fourth and the fifth. Afterwards, their two-run lead lasted for just one inning.
Meanwhile, before start of the seventh, the Phillies were quiet. It appeared, they were going to lose another game. The jinx that Lee is suffering in the season is going to continue depriving him from winning a game, it was feared.
However, it was not to be as Lee was fortunate enough to draw run-support from the offence this time.
Beginning of the seventh spelled a run-rampage by Philadelphia. In the last three innings, nine runs were added. As a result, the fragile lead the Mets had in the game was trampled in the midst.
Run-spree by Philadelphia included three home-runs. Second baseman Chase Utley hammered a home-run. He started the counter-attack which eventually led the team winning. He drove in two runs, while facing five at-bats.
Catcher Carlos Ruiz was another hitter who managed to slug a homer.
Lee turned out terrific as a starter as he struck-out nine. By throwing eight innings and conceding just two runs, he actually had set the stage for victory.
The fact he did not let the Phillies bullpen get exposed much, he eschewed his team from entering into vulnerable territory.
"I would've loved to have a win a long time ago," Lee said. "I wouldn't say it doesn't matter, but it's something I can't control," he said. "Sometimes, weird things happen."
Since the relievers have been a weak-link right from day one, Philadelphia will love to see their starters throwing lengthy spell of innings.
Jonathan Papelbon is one of the few relief pitchers with the Phillies who have been impressive. As he came to close the innings, he ended up being scoreless, thus keeping the Mets at bay from staging a comeback.
Phillies have positives roaming around for them at the moment. Their injured players are returning and performing well. Ryan Howard is going through rehab assignments. Similarly, Roy Halladay is fast on his way to make an entry in the season.
Based on such developments, one can say that the Phillies are going to be a different side after the All-Star break.
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