The Fightins » July 20 Game Recap: Phillies 10, Cubs 1

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Jul

2009

July 20 Game Recap: Phillies 10, Cubs 1

Posted by Dash Treyhorn at 9:59 pm ET 14 Comments

What happened?

The Phillies tagged Ted Lilly for nine runs to win their ninth game in a row to go to 52-38 on the season.

Who did what?

Rodrigo Lopez (W, 2-0) gave up one run in six inning on five hits and three walks. He struck out five.

Jimmy Rollins went 1 for 3 with a run and an RBI.

Shane Victorino went 2 for 4 with a double (25) and two runs.

Ryan Howard went 1 for 4 with a homer (24) and an RBI.

Raul Ibanez went 1 for 4 with a homer (25) and three RBIs.

Carlos Ruiz went 2 for 4 with a homer (4), a double (13) and three RBIs.

Chad Durbin (S, 1) pitched three scoreless innings to earn the save. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

Ted Lilly (L, 9-7) gave up nine runs (seven earned) in four innings for the loss. He allowed eight hits and two walks while striking out six.

Ryan Theriot went 1 for 4 with two walks and an RBI.

Andres Blanco went 1 for 2 with a double (5) and a run.

What does this mean?

When the Phillies left Florida with a 6.5 game lead in the division, they knew things would get a bit tougher when they came back home to face the Chicago Cubs. After all, the Cubbies were coming off a four game winning streak, courtesy of the Washington Nationals, to climb to within two games of the St. Louis Cardinals for the lead in the N.L. central.

The Phils were coming off a winning streak of their own, having won eight in a row and 12 of their last 13. However, Chicago could prove to be a much tougher opponent than the Reds or the Pirates. And with Ted Lilly on the mound in game one, the Phillies would need a solid performance from Rodrigo Lopez to keep things close.

Fortunately, the offense came out in force tonight, starting with a two-0ut, three-run bomb from Raul Ibanez in the first inning. It would prove to be the difference maker, as Lopez held the Cubs to one run in six innings to earn his second win of the season. It was a big win for the club, as it brought them back to the .500 mark at The Bank for the first time this season, while coming at the expense of the best pitcher in the Cubs’ rotation.

This stretch could prove to be tough for The Fightins, as they face Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano before starting a three game set with the N.L. leading St. Louis Cardinals. But as has been the case lately, the Phils are making it look easy.

What’s next for our heroes?

In game two, Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.44) takes on Rich Harden (6-6, 5.06).

14 Comments on “July 20 Game Recap: Phillies 10, Cubs 1”

Max Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
How does a team sweeping the Natinals make them harder to beat? If anything, they’re easier to beat because they think they’re better than they actually are.
Swift aka PhiPhan5648 Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
When things go right for this team, they go right in massive bunches apparently. Not only did Lopez pitch a good game, after being sidelined with an injury. Not only did the Phils bats make Ted Lilly look like a unseasoned rookie. Not only did Chad Durbin pitch three 1-2-3 innings to earn an old-school save.

But it turns out Brett Myers could potentially be back in Philly for September. Paul Qualls of Arizona is suspected of making it to Philly to bolster the Bullpen. Philly is the front-runner to land Roy Halladay. The NL East trails the Phils by at least 6.5 games, and the Mets are in the cellar back 9.

This is truly a good month for Phillies Baseball so far. Knock on wood that it continues.

GO FIGHTINS!
How do you spell retard? Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
And a Happy Birthday to Dash Treyhorn! Let us all thank his mom’s uterus.
Jordan Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
yea i just read about myers’ possible return. that would really help out the pen. who is paul qualls though? is that chad’s brother?
Max Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
@Jordan Yeah, Paul is Chad’s brother, and they’re both Diamondbacks relievers. Like how Edgar and Adrian Gonzalez are both on the Padres. So typical of the Phils to go after the worse brother.
Watrick Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Really, why do they do that? I don’t understand how we can consistently do that.
Max Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
@Watrick
Apparently, I’m not too good about being sarcastic.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/07/20/phillies-eyeing-diamondacks-qualls/
We Should Be GM’s did go in-depth about the Phils’ “Wrong Brother Syndrome,” though.
Max Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
sorry, forgot that second link. just read The 700 Level’s comment thread from tonight’s game.
http://pabaseball.blogspot.com/2009/01/wrong-brother-syndrome.html
mrs. dobbs Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I’m convinced my Panamania tee was the reason Ruiz had such a good game.
Swift aka PhiPhan5648 Says:
July 20th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
@mrs. dobbs, well then wear it at every game!

Oh… and Happy Birthday to Mister Treyhorn today.
4DaysRest.com Says:
July 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
Could Rodrigo Lopez be the second coming of Christ?

No. No, he couldn’t.
Swift aka PhiPhan5648 Says:
July 21st, 2009 at 12:09 am
@4DaysRest: Not likely.
Here Come Da Judge Says:
July 21st, 2009 at 9:33 am
raul ibanez is good
mplant Says:
July 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Crazy stat from last night’s game:

Raul Ibanez’s home run was the 207th of his career. Why is that significant? He became the all-time MLB leader for home runs by a player whose last name begins with the letter I. Pete Incaviglia previously held the record