Dodgers Crush Phillies, Chase Utley Shines In Return To Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chase Utley got curtain calls after each of his two home runs — including a grand slam — in his first game in Philadelphia since last season's trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Those cheers came after fans greeted him with a 1 1/2-minute ovation before he struck out leading off the Dodgers' 15-5 rout of the Phillies on Tuesday night.
Chase Utley Receives Raucous Applause In Return To Citizens Bank Park, Including Grand Slam
Utley was a six-time All-Star in 13 seasons as Philadelphia's second baseman, helping the team win five straight NL East titles and the 2008 World Series. Fans showed their appreciation with a long cheer before he struck out in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park.
In the fifth, Utley hit a two-out solo homer off Vince Velasquez (8-5) and raced around the bases in customary fashion. Fans clamored for a rare curtain call by a visiting player, and Utley obliged to another standing ovation.
In the seventh, Utley hit a grand slam off Michael Mariot, and fans again cheered him back out of the dugout. It was Utley's seventh career grand slam. His first career hit was a grand slam at Veterans Stadium.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
