Cliff Lee can’t get a break. Or a win.
The Phils’s ace left-hander is still looking for his first win of the season, despite throwing a dazzling 7 and two-thirds innings against the Dodgers last night.
Turns out Lee faced one batter too many. He gave up only six hits, but it was the last one – with two outs in the eighth inning - that was a killer.
With Jonathan Papelbon sitting in the bullpen, Charlie Manuel allowed a tiring Lee to face right-handed Elian Herrera, who doubled off the left-field wall to score two runs and lift the Dodgers to a stunning 2-1 win.
Lee had been in trouble the entire inning, but got bailed out, first by a great defensive play of his own in jumping on a sacrifice bunt and nailing a runner at third, then when Hunter Pence made a phenomenal throw from right field to eliminate another running trying to get to third.
Lee gave up three consecutive hits, but didn’t give up a run until Herrera’s double.
It was the Phils’ fourth loss in a row as they slip back under .500 for the first time since May 23.
You can read Ryan Lawrence’s game story on the crushing loss here.
The big problem for the Phillies once again was offense, in particular the lack of it. After Hunter Pence managed to drive home a runner in scoring position in the first, the Phils failed to plate another run in the game.
There might be some good news for the Phlailing Phils offense. Both Ryan Howard and Chase Utley will bat in an extended spring training game in Clearwater. Neither is expected to play in the field.
In the meantime Cliff Lee remains winless. You read that right. On June 6, Cliff Lee still has not won a game.
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