Phillies Vs. Cardinals: Cliff Lee Gets Wild, Phillies Bats Cold Again

Before he was traded from the Seattle Mariners last year, Cliff Lee walked six batters in 103 innings.

Monday night, Lee walked a career-high six batters in 6-1/3 innings, and the Philadelphia Phillies' offense was dormant against St. Louis Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook. The Cardinals took advantage, defeating the Phillies 3-1 at home.

The Phillies struck first, in the top of second inning, with John Mayberry reaching base on a fielder’s choice, stealing second, and scoring on a looping broken-bat single from Ben Francisco. It’s wouldn't have been crazy to think that might be enough for Cliff Lee, but he was a little off from the beginning of the game, walking two in the first inning before getting Allen Craig to fly out.

Lee walked Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman to lead off the bottom of the fourth, and after an infield single, Nick Punto singled to right to drive in a run. Lee’s command struggles were evident even against the opposing pitcher, as he brought Westbrook to a full count with the bases loaded before striking him out for the second out of the inning, but the Cardinals pushed another run across when Ryan Theriot singled to right. Ben Francisco’s throw home got away from Carlos Ruiz, but not far enough to score Yadier Molina, who was cut down at the plate when Lee fielded the ball backing up the play.

The Cardinals scored an insurance run the seventh on John Jay's RBI single, and Fernando Salas pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save.

Lee gave up three earned runs in his 6-1/3 innings, striking out four to go with his six walks. Westbrook pitched seven strong innings, walking three and striking out one. Albert Pujols made his first start at third base since 2002, and he performed admirably, fielding five chances and starting a double play.