The Philadelphia Phillies couldn't clinch the series sweep against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night, losing 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park. Vance Worley (3-4) pitched well, giving up two earned runs off four hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out two. Unfortunately, he once again got little in the way of run support.
Jimmy Rollins put the Phillies up early with his fifth home run of season to lead off the first inning. Then Philadelphia's bats went silent. John Mayberry Jr. went 2-for-3 with a double to lead off the second inning and a single in the fourth. He was left on base at the end of both innings. No other Phillies batter made it on base more than once on the night, via hit or walk.
Rockies starter Jeff Francis gave up just one earned run (the Rollins homer) on the night. He allowed six hits and no walks, and struck out three in five innings.
The Rockies put up two runs to take the lead in the seventh inning off a Chris Nelson home run, his fifth of the year. Tyler Colvin also scored on the homer after doubling two batters earlier. Worley was relieved after the inning, and the Phillies were able to get out of the eighth with Chad Qualls and Jacob Diekman.
The Phillies weren't so lucky in the ninth. Diekman walked Todd Helton before being relieved by Michael Schwimer with one out in the inning. Two batters later, Schwimer gave up a two-run home run to Wilin Rosario giving the Rockies a 4-1 lead.
Rafael Betancourt earned his 11th save of the season for Colorado. He struck out Jim Thome to end the game.
The Phillies are at home once again when they begin their three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. Cliff Lee (0-3, 3.48 ERA) is looking for his first win of the season. He will go up against the Rays' James Shields (7-4, 3.72) at the mound.
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