Saturday, April 2, 2011
Posted: 10 p.m.Updated: April 3, 12:15 a.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
BOX SCORE
If there was ever any question who everybodys favorite Phillie was, it was answered -- loudly -- just before 7 oclock Saturday night.
Thats when Cliff Lee began his walk from the bullpen to the dugout.
As Lee came through the bullpen gate, the 125th consecutive sellout crowd at Citizens Bank Park rose and saluted the pitcher with a thunderous ovation that seemed to grow with every step he took.
Even with his mind focused on his first start of the season, his first start back with the Phillies after being traded, then re-signing with the club, Lee couldnt help but hear the crowds reaction.
MLB
There isnt a set of earplugs that impenetrable.
Obviously I could hear the noise, the volume, Lee said after the game. It feels great to know the fans are that excited for me to be back. I gave myself a second to notice it all, but I couldnt dwell on it because I had to focus on getting hitters out.
Lees focus was just fine. In his first start in Philadelphia since Game 5 of the 2009 World Series, he backboned the Phillies 9-4 win over the Houston Astros. The fast-working lefthander went seven innings, allowed three runs and struck out 11.
I think well keep him, manager Charlie Manuel deadpanned after the game.
Phillies fans were upset that the team didnt keep Lee in December of 2009. He was traded to Seattle in an accompanying move to the Phils acquiring Roy Halladay from Toronto. This winter, Phillies management thrilled its fan base by bringing Lee back to town with a five-year, 120 million contract. The New York Yankees actually offered Lee more money, but Philadelphia was the place he wanted to be.
Philly fans like that sort of stuff.
This was their chance to say thank you. And they didall night long. Lee got his second standing ovation when he came to the plate to bat in the second inning.
These fans have a knack for getting a little louder than everywhere else, said Lee, who has pitched in both leagues. I dont know if its alcohol-induced or what but it definitely gets louder here than anywhere else.
Teammates couldnt help but notice the love for Lee.
It was awesome, Raul Ibanez said. It felt like opening day again. That was a great welcome back for Cliff and I know he appreciated it.
Why do Phillies fans love Lee so much?
Is it simply that he picked Philadelphia over the behemoth to the north? Is it the country toughness that occasionally seeps out from behind his unassuming demeanor? Is it simply his pitching prowess?
When he was here the first time he was awesome for us, Ibanez said. I think its not just that hes a great pitcher, but kind of his way of being, as well. Hes intense and hes competitive and at the same time hes kind of laid back and he doesnt make too much of anything or any situation. Hes a lot of fun to be around and a lot of fun to play behind. And hes a great pitcher.
After spending last season with Seattle and Texas, Lee was eager to return to the National League. He likes to handle the bat, you see. And he can handle it pretty well as evidenced by the sacrifice bunt he dropped down in the fourth inning. It helped set up a two-run single by Shane Victorino.
Lee showed a sharp mix of pitchesfastball, cutter, curveball and changeup. His walk-free work was not unusual. Last year, he walked just 18 in 212 13 innings. The only Astro to give Lee any trouble was Carlos Lee, who belted an RBI triple in the fourth and a two-run homer in the sixth. The home run came on a fastball that caught too much plate.
Take away that mistake I think I did all right, Lee said.
The offense was all right, too. The Phils had 14 hits. Ibanez, Ben Francisco and Carlos Ruiz all had RBI doubles. The Phils scored a pair of runs in the first, a pair in the fourth and three in the fifth.
Offense was key, Lee said. We scored early and kept adding on.
And throughout it all, the fans kept cheering for Lee. It was his night.
Ive been looking forward to the regular season and a chance to pitch here and help us win, Lee said. Tomorrow Ill start preparing for my next start and hopefully well score as many runs.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com