All this reminiscing eventually got the juices flowing and prompted Utley to commandeer the driver’s seat in the way-back machine. But on this night, pennant races and practical concerns took a backseat to a heartfelt reunion. And he got ovations demanding curtain calls after each of his home runs – a solo shot in the fifth inning and a grand slam that capped an eight-run seventh inning for the Dodgers.
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The last four years of Utley’s time in Philly were marred by injuries, but from 2005 to ’09, the only player to rack up more Wins Above Replacement than Utley (38.4) was Albert Pujols (40.7; won three MVP awards in this span), according to FanGraphs.
“It’s completely overwhelming”, admitted Utley. “The standing ovation my first at-bat is something I’ll never forget”.
“That was something truly special”, Dodgers outfielder Howie Kendrick said. It shows how passionate and how great the Philadelphia fan base really is. It was probably one of the most nervous at-bats I’ll ever have at any level.
Chase Utley gets a huge ovation from Phillies fans.
Getting extended looks at young players you think could be pieces of the future is critical, and being able to do so in what is a mostly lost year takes some of the pressure off.
In the opener, Trevor Cahill (2-3) came off the disabled list to throw five innings of two-hit ball in his first start in almost 16 months. The problem with a bracket supporting protective netting in front of the scoreboard was to be corrected after the game, the team said.
Joseph hit a leadoff homer in the sixth against Kazmir, his 16th home run of the season. As he normally does, Utley motored around the bases. “But you try to chalk it up to another baseball game, obviously it’s a little bit different for me because I spent so much time here, so many great memories here”. “To me, that’s a true compliment”.
Chase Utley made his first appearance in Philadelphia since being traded to the Dodgers in August of a year ago. But Utley’s first trip back to Philadelphia was worth the wait, not to mention chock full of statistical oddities.
CBP even played his old walk-up music: “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said he was going to let Howard bat regardless of who the Dodgers had on the mound.
With two retired by Dodgers starter RHP Kenta Maeda in the latter-half of the second, Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp produced the first run of the contest with a solo shot to the center field ivy, his 14th of the season.
Stripling, though, would’ve liked to have gone deeper with a lead.
Kendrick’s home run was one of his four hits in the game, including an RBI triple.
Roberts is also a sucker for leadership skills.
Utley is all about style and substance.
Eickhoff gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings with eight strikeouts and two walks.
When asked if the second trot was the fastest of his career, Utley shrugged.
“I didn’t really have an opportunity to say goodbye”, Utley said. “Maybe you can check Statcast”. But unbeknownst to them, the 28,118 fans in attendance were on the receiving end of some equally fervent gratitude. They motivated us, pushed us in the right direction. I’m a true believer that the fans made us better players individually and gave us a chance to win on a daily basis.
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“I should be thanking them”.
