Pitching Can't Stop Cubs

This one got ugly real fast. Ryan Howard quickly put the Phillies ahead 2-0, but boy did this game escalate quickly.

With Howard's two-run home run, it seemed like the Phillies were starting the second half on the right foot. Howard later homered in the ninth inning. Unfortunately, those two home runs runs weren't nearly enough.

Aramis Ramirez smacked a two-run double off Jamie Moyer to tie the game at two. Later, Starlin Castro stole home to give the Cubs a lead, and that was pretty much the game. Moyer blew up for six earned runs in three innings. He gave up two home runs; one to Derek Lee, another to Alfonso Soriano.

The game really came out of reach when Jose Contreras pitched in relief. Contreras surrendered five earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning, including a Geovanny Soto three-run shot.

Poor pitching led to the 12-6 defeat. It was certainly not a way the Phillies would have liked to start the second half, but tomorrow is a new day.